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, 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

Those include its “crackers,” which heat ethane, a component of natural gas, to more than 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Over time, he said, more U.S.-produced ethane likely will be exported, eroding the advantage now enjoyed by American plastic makers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 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