Ethane

Definition

Ethane is the simplest alkane, a saturated hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H6. It is a key term in understanding the concepts of sp3 hybrid orbitals, the structure of alkanes, and their properties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethane has a tetrahedral molecular geometry, with all bond angles being approximately 109.5 degrees, due to its sp3 hybridized carbon atoms.
2. The carbon-carbon bond in ethane is a sigma (σ) bond, formed by the overlap of sp3 hybrid orbitals.
3. Ethane is the simplest member of the alkane series, with the molecular formula C2H6.
4. Alkanes, including ethane, are characterized by their saturated nature, meaning that all carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds.
5. Ethane is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature and standard pressure, and is the second-smallest alkane after methane.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between the sp3 hybridization of carbon atoms and the structure of ethane.
  • The carbon atoms in ethane are sp3 hybridized, meaning each carbon forms four equivalent sigma (σ) bonds with its neighboring atoms. This tetrahedral arrangement of the bonds results in the characteristic 109.5-degree bond angles observed in the ethane molecule. The sp3 hybridization and the resulting molecular geometry are crucial in determining the overall structure and properties of ethane, as well as other alkanes.
• Describe how the structure of ethane, as an alkane, differs from the structure of ethylene (an alkene).
  • The key structural difference between ethane and ethylene is the nature of the carbon-carbon bonds. In ethane, the carbon atoms are connected by single, sigma (σ) bonds, which are the result of the sp3 hybridization of the carbon atoms. In contrast, ethylene has a carbon-carbon double bond, which is formed by the overlap of an sp2 hybridized carbon's sigma (σ) bond and a pi (π) bond. This difference in bonding and hybridization leads to distinct molecular geometries, reactivity, and physical properties between the alkane ethane and the alkene ethylene.
• Analyze how the properties of ethane, as the simplest alkane, relate to its applications and uses in various industries.
  • As the simplest alkane, ethane has several important properties that contribute to its widespread use. Its low boiling point and high flammability make it a valuable fuel source, particularly in the petrochemical industry. Ethane is also a feedstock for the production of ethylene, a crucial building block for many organic compounds and polymers. Additionally, the inert and non-toxic nature of ethane allows it to be used in various applications, such as as a refrigerant, a propellant in aerosol products, and as a component in natural gas mixtures. The unique combination of physical and chemical properties of ethane, derived from its simple alkane structure, underpin its diverse industrial and commercial uses.

Related terms

Alkane: Saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2, where the carbon atoms are connected by single bonds.

Hybridization: The process of combining atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals, which are used to describe the bonding in molecules.

Alkene: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n, where the carbon atoms are connected by at least one double bond.