Where Can Ethane Be Found?

Ethane (C₂H₆) is present in nature in petroleum gas and as a minor component in natural gas (between 1% and 7%). Pyrolysis of ethane is used extensively for the production of ethylene (C₂H₄).

Where can you find ethane?

Ethane is structurally the simplest hydrocarbon that contains a single carbon–carbon bond. The second most important constituent of natural gas, it also occurs dissolved in petroleum oils and as a by-product of oil refinery operations and of the carbonization of coal.

What are the sources of ethane?

The key source of ethane is natural gas deposits, which comprise mixtures of hydrocarbons from methane upwards and other components, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and sulfur compounds.