ethane

American  

[eth-ayn] / ˈɛθ eɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, flammable gas, C 2 H 6 , of the methane series, present in natural gas, illuminating gas, and crude petroleum: used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel gas.

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ethane British  

/ ˈiːθeɪn, ˈɛθ- /

noun

1. a colourless odourless flammable gaseous alkane obtained from natural gas and petroleum: used as a fuel and in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: C 2 H 6

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ethane Scientific  

/ ĕth′ān′ /

1. A colorless, odorless, flammable gas occurring in natural gas. It is used as a fuel and in refrigeration. Ethane is the second member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C ₂ H ₆ .

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Etymology

Origin of ethane

First recorded in 1870–75; eth(yl) + -ane

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ethane

For North American producers like Dow and LyondellBasell, which use ethane from cheap natural gas to create polyethylene, that dynamic has been a “tremendous benefit,” Morales said.

From Barron's ● May 12, 2026

For North American producers like Dow and LyondellBasell who use ethane from cheap natural gas to create polyethylene, that dynamic has been a “tremendous benefit,” Morales said.

From Barron's ● May 12, 2026

Foreign plastic makers are increasingly converting their plants to use ethane rather than crude oil derivatives, he said, thanks to the lower price and greater availability of natural gas.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 5, 2026

The 2026 outlook may remain challenging, with weak petrochemical prices, a 2Q turnaround at the second Kertih ethane cracker lasting 45-50 days, and Pengerang Refining Company operations running below optimal rates, he reckons.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 28, 2026

In methane and ethane the hydrogen atoms are of equal value, and no matter which one may be substituted by another element or group the same compound will result.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various