Ethane vs. Ethene: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Published on November 19, 2023
Ethane (C₂H₆) is a saturated hydrocarbon with single bonds, while ethene (C₂H₄), also known as ethylene, is an unsaturated hydrocarbon with a double bond between carbon atoms.
Key Differences
Ethane and ethene are both hydrocarbons, compounds made up of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. Ethane, having the chemical formula C₂H₆, is an alkane. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they only possess single bonds between the carbon atoms. Being saturated ensures that ethane has the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms for its two carbon atoms.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
On the contrary, ethene, with the chemical formula C₂H₄, belongs to the alkene family. Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons characterized by the presence of at least one double bond between carbon atoms. This double bond results in ethene having two fewer hydrogen atoms compared to ethane, even though they both contain two carbon atoms.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
From a usage perspective, ethane is predominantly employed as a feedstock in the production of ethene. This transformation happens through a process called cracking. Ethene, on the other hand, is a critical compound in the petrochemical industry, primarily used for producing polyethylene, a common plastic.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Ethane's single-bonded structure makes it relatively unreactive. Conversely, the double bond in ethene provides an area of higher electron density, making it more reactive than ethane. This reactivity is why ethene readily participates in addition reactions, such as polymerization.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
When discussing sources, ethane is commonly extracted from natural gas and is a significant component of many natural gas deposits. Ethene, while it can be directly sourced in minor quantities, is primarily produced industrially from hydrocarbons like ethane through the aforementioned cracking process.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Feedstock for producing ethene
Production of plastics like polyethylene
Sumera Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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Ethane and Ethene Definitions
Ethane
A gaseous compound found naturally in Earth's crust.
The extraction of ethane from natural gas is crucial for the petrochemical industry.
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Oct 31, 2023
Ethene
A molecule used as a precursor to produce various plastics.
Ethene is crucial in the production of plastic bottles.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Ethane
An alkane with the chemical formula C₂H₆.
Ethane can be cracked to produce ethene.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Ethene
An unsaturated hydrocarbon with a carbon-carbon double bond.
Ethene is used in the synthesis of many industrial chemicals.
Huma Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Ethane
A saturated hydrocarbon with two carbon atoms.
Ethane is a major component of natural gas.
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Oct 31, 2023
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Ethene
Also known as ethylene, with the chemical formula C₂H₄.
Ethene, when polymerized, forms polyethylene.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Ethane
A molecule with only single bonds between its carbon atoms.
Due to its single bonds, ethane is relatively inert.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023
Ethene
A compound that undergoes addition reactions easily.
Due to its double bond, ethene can participate in various chemical reactions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023
Ethane
A flammable gas used as a fuel and petrochemical feedstock.
The combustion of ethane releases energy, making it useful as a fuel.
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Ethene
A gaseous alkene critical to the petrochemical industry.
Ethene's reactivity is due to its double bond.
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Ethane
A colorless, odorless gaseous alkane, C2H6, that occurs as a constituent of natural gas and is used as a fuel and a refrigerant.
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Oct 11, 2023
Ethene
The organic chemical compound ethylene. The simplest alkene, a colorless gaseous (at room temperature and pressure) hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H4
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Oct 11, 2023
Ethene
A flammable colorless gaseous alkene; obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals; sometimes used as an anesthetic
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Oct 11, 2023
FAQs
Which has a double bond, ethane or ethene?
Ethene has a double bond between its carbon atoms.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Why is ethene more reactive than ethane?
Ethene's double bond provides an area of higher electron density, making it more reactive.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
Why is ethene important in the petrochemical industry?
Ethene is a precursor for many chemicals, including common plastics.
Sara Rehman
Nov 19, 2023
What is the primary source of ethane?
Ethane is primarily extracted from natural gas.
Janet White
Nov 19, 2023
Can ethane be converted to ethene?
Yes, ethane can be cracked to produce ethene.
Sara Rehman
Nov 19, 2023
Are both ethane and ethene gases at room temperature?
Yes, both ethane and ethene are gaseous at room temperature.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
What type of hydrocarbon is ethane?
Ethane is a saturated hydrocarbon or alkane.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Is ethane's combustion exothermic?
Yes, the combustion of ethane releases energy.
Harlon Moss
Nov 19, 2023
Which is a greenhouse gas, ethane or ethene?
Both can act as greenhouse gases, but ethene has a much shorter atmospheric lifespan.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
Are ethane and ethene renewable resources?
While primarily sourced from fossil fuels, they can be produced from renewable resources, albeit less commonly.
Janet White
Nov 19, 2023
Which is more abundant industrially, ethane or ethene?
Ethene is more abundant industrially due to its wide range of applications.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
Which has more hydrogen atoms, ethane or ethene?
Ethane has more hydrogen atoms than ethene.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Is ethane's presence significant in the atmosphere?
While present, ethane's concentration in the atmosphere is relatively low.
Harlon Moss
Nov 19, 2023
Is ethene used in making plastics?
Yes, ethene is used to produce plastics like polyethylene.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
What type of reactions does ethene commonly undergo?
Ethene commonly undergoes addition reactions.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
Can ethene be produced from sources other than ethane?
Yes, ethene can also be produced from ethanol and other hydrocarbons.
Janet White
Nov 19, 2023
Does ethane have any isomers?
No, ethane doesn't have any isomers due to its simple structure.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
How is ethane usually stored?
Ethane is typically stored under pressure as a liquid.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
