Ethane Molecule in 3D: C₂H₆ Structure and Facts
Ethane is two carbon atoms joined by a single bond, each with three hydrogen atoms. It is found in natural gas and is mainly used to make ethylene for plastics. In Molecule Studio you can spin the ethane molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.
Explore in 3DEthane quick facts
| Chemical formula | C₂H₆ |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 30.07 g/mol |
| Atoms in one molecule | 8 |
| Shape | Tetrahedral around each carbon |
| Group | Fuels |
What is ethane used for?
- Making ethylene for plastics
- Fuel in natural gas
- Refrigeration
Interesting facts about ethane
- It is the second simplest alkane, after methane.
- The two carbon halves can rotate around the single bond.
- It is a colourless, odourless gas.
- Most ethane is turned into ethylene by heating.
What you can do in 3D
Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.
More fuels molecules
Ethane questions
What is the formula of ethane?
C2H6: two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.
What is ethane used for?
Mainly to make ethylene, which is turned into plastics.
Is ethane an alkane?
Yes. It is the second simplest alkane, with only single bonds.
Where does ethane come from?
Natural gas and oil refining.
Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.