ethane

American  

[eth-eyn] / 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  

/ 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

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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

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

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

Naphtha, ethane and propane are the building blocks of plastics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 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

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

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