ethane

[ eth-eyn ]

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.

ethane

/ ˈɛθ-; ˈiːθeɪn /

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

ethane

/ 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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethane¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethane¹

C19: from eth ( yl ) + -ane

Example Sentences

For instance, in 1981, biophysicist Jacques D­ubochet discovered that tiny biological structures super­cooled with ethane could be observed in their natural state under an electron microscope.

From Science News

Saturn’s moon Titan, meanwhile, might host exotic life in its ethane and methane lakes.

From Science News For Students

Within a second, heat “cracks” the bonds of each ethane molecule.

From ProPublica

Radar observations have detected the presence of rivers and lakes of liquid methane and ethane and possibly the presence of cryovolcanoes—volcano-like features that erupt liquid water rather than lava.

From Singularity Hub 

We derived this substance from ethane by introducing a methyl group; hence it may be termed “methylethane.”

From Project Gutenberg

These last two compounds are termed unsaturated, whereas ethane is saturated.

From Project Gutenberg

All we need trouble about, however, is the first two, Methane and Ethane.

From Project Gutenberg

We have pictured to ourselves the molecule of methane: let us do the same with ethane.

From Project Gutenberg

Acetylene combines with hydrogen in the presence of platinum black, and ethylene and then ethane result.

From Project Gutenberg