Ethane Organic Chemicals

Description

Ethane is a colorless, odorless gaseous alkane with the chemical formula C2H6. It occurs naturally as a constituent of natural gas and is primarily used as a feedstock in the production of ethylene through steam cracking. Ethane is also used as a fuel and a refrigerant .

Working Principle

Ethane's primary role in the chemical industry is as a feedstock for the production of ethylene. This is achieved through a process known as steam cracking, where ethane is subjected to high temperatures in the presence of steam, causing it to break down into smaller molecules, primarily ethylene (C2H4). Ethylene is a highly valuable chemical used as a raw material for many polymers and plastic products. The process of oxidative dehydrogenation is also gaining interest as an alternative method for ethylene production from ethane .

Applications

Ethane is predominantly used in the production of ethylene, which is a critical component in the manufacture of various polymers and plastics. Ethylene is used in applications ranging from the production of polyethylene, a common plastic, to serving as a precursor for other chemicals like ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol. Additionally, ethane can be chlorinated to produce ethyl chloride, which is used in the synthesis of insecticides and as a solvent for fats and wax .

Advantages over other Organic Chemicals

One of the advantages of using ethane over other organic chemicals is its efficiency as a feedstock for ethylene production. Ethane's relatively simple molecular structure allows for a more straightforward conversion process compared to heavier hydrocarbons, which may require more complex processing steps. This can result in cost savings and increased production efficiency .

Limitations

A significant limitation of ethane is its limited direct use in the chemical industry beyond its role as a feedstock for ethylene production. Unlike olefins, paraffinic hydrocarbons like ethane are less reactive, which restricts their direct application in the synthesis of a wide range of chemicals. Additionally, the infrastructure required for steam cracking and other conversion processes can be capital-intensive .

Considerations

When considering the use of ethane in industrial applications, several factors should be taken into account. The initial costs of setting up facilities for steam cracking or oxidative dehydrogenation can be substantial. Operating expenses are also a consideration, as these processes require significant energy input. Durability and maintenance of the equipment used in these processes are crucial for ensuring long-term operational efficiency. Additionally, the accuracy of the conversion processes and the quality of the resulting ethylene are important factors that can impact the overall cost-effectiveness of using ethane as a feedstock .

26 Results

1,1,1-TRIMETHYLOLETHANE TRIPROPIOLATE - Image

1,1,1-TRIMETHYLOLETHANE TRIPROPIOLATE
from GFS Chemicals, Inc.

ITEM#:5223. (HC ≡CCOOCH2)3CCH3. CAS#:995-34-6. F.W.:276.25. NFPA#: Specific Gravity: DOT:NR. Descriptions: Not on the TSCA inventory. Specification. TEST. Properties. No properties. [See More]

Chemical Family: All Alkanes; Ethane
Chemical Formula: (HCCCOOCH2)3CCH3

Chemical Name: 1,1,1-TRIMETHYLOLETHANE TRIPROPIOLATE
CAS Number: 995-34-6

1,2-Bis(dipentafluorophenylphosphino)ethane -- 5672-3-20 - Image

1,2-Bis(dipentafluorophenylphosphino)ethane -- 5672-3-20
from SynQuest Laboratories, Inc.

Molecular Weight: 758.23. TSCA: Not listed on TSCA inventory; for R&D use only [See More]

Chemical Family: All Alkanes; Ethane
Chemical Formula: C ₂₆ H ₄ F ₂₀ P ₂

Chemical Name: 1,2-Bis(dipentafluorophenylphosphino)ethane
CAS Number: 76858-94-1

1,2-BIS(TRIMETHOXYSILYL)ETHANE -- ALD 447242-25 - Image

1,2-BIS(TRIMETHOXYSILYL)ETHANE -- ALD 447242-25
from Chemical Strategies, Inc.

Chemical Strategies offers over 3,000 products by Chempax. If you are unable to locate a chemical you need, our sales department can custom source any needed materials for you directly. [See More]

Chemical Family: All Alkanes; Ethane

Chemical Name: 1,2-BIS(TRIMETHOXYSILYL)ETHANE

1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane -- 16056 - Image

1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane -- 16056
from Medical Isotopes, Inc.

1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane [See More]

Chemical Family: All Alkanes; Ethane
CAS Number: 72-43-5

Chemical Formula: C16H15Cl3O2

N-BOC-1,2-Diaminoethane
from High Force Research Limited

N-BOC-1,2-Diaminoethane [See More]

Chemical Family: All Alkanes; Ethane
Chemical Formula: C7H16N2O2

Chemical Name: N-BOC-1,2-Diaminoethane
CAS Number: 57260-73-8

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a)
from Wintersun Chemical

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) [See More]

Chemical Family: All Alkanes; Ethane
Chemical Formula: FCH2CF3

Chemical Name: 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a)
CAS Number: 811-97-2

001060
from Matrix Scientific

1,2-Bis[2'-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethane. Molecular Formula: C16H12F6. Molecular Weight: 318.26 [See More]

Chemical Family: All Alkanes; Ethane
Chemical Formula: C16H12F6

Chemical Name: 1,2-Bis[2'-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethane

1,2-Bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane -- B585425 - Image

1,2-Bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane -- B585425
from Toronto Research Chemicals, Inc.

Mutagenesis Research Chemicals [See More]

Chemical Family: All Alkanes; Ethane
Chemical Formula: C14H8Br6O2

Chemical Name: 1,2-Bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane
CAS Number: 37853-59-1

1,2-Dibromo-1,1,2-trifluoroethane -- 1100-B-03 - Image

1,2-Dibromo-1,1,2-trifluoroethane -- 1100-B-03
from SynQuest Laboratories, Inc.

Molecular Weight: 241.83. TSCA: Listed on TSCA inventory; for R&D use only [See More]

Chemical Family: All Alkanes; Ethane
Chemical Formula: C ₂ HBr ₂ F ₃

Chemical Name: 1,2-Dibromo-1,1,2-trifluoroethane
CAS Number: 354-04-1

1,2-Dimethoxyethane -- MBI J330-09 - Image

1,2-Dimethoxyethane -- MBI J330-09
from Chemical Strategies, Inc.

Chemical Strategies offers over 3,000 products by JT Baker. If you are unable to locate a chemical you need, our sales department can custom source any needed materials for you directly. [See More]