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Ethane is indeed an alkane, which is a type of hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. The term "alkane" specifically refers to a class of hydrocarbons that are saturated, meaning that they contain only single bonds between the carbon atoms. This saturation leads to a general formula for alkanes that can be expressed as \( C_nH_{2n+2} \), where \( n \) represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

The general formula indicates that for every carbon atom in an alkane, there are two hydrogen atoms bonded to it, plus two additional hydrogen atoms. This formula can be understood by looking at the simplest alkanes:

- Methane (\( CH_4 \)): This is the simplest alkane with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms, fitting the general formula with \( n = 1 \), thus \( H = 2(1) + 2 = 4 \).
- Ethane (\( C_2H_6 \)): As mentioned, ethane has two carbon atoms. According to the general formula, it should have \( 2(2) + 2 = 6 \) hydrogen atoms, which it does.

Alkanes are characterized by their stability and relatively unreactive nature compared to other classes of hydrocarbons, such as alkenes and alkynes, which contain double and triple bonds, respectively. The stability of alkanes is due to the strength of the carbon-carbon single bonds and the fact that all the valence electrons of the carbon atoms are involved in bonding, leaving no unpaired electrons to participate in reactions.

Ethane, being a member of the alkane family, exhibits these properties. It is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature and is one of the primary components of natural gas. Ethane is also a significant component of petroleum gas and is used as a fuel and a petrochemical feedstock.

In terms of representation, alkane molecules can be depicted using displayed formulas, which show the carbon and hydrogen atoms and the bonds between them. For ethane, the displayed formula would show two carbon atoms each bonded to three hydrogen atoms, with a single bond between the two carbon atoms.

In summary, ethane is an alkane, a saturated hydrocarbon with the molecular formula \( C_2H_6 \), fitting the general alkane formula of \( C_nH_{2n+2} \). It is stable and relatively unreactive, and is an important component of natural gas and a valuable feedstock in the petrochemical industry.

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There are different types of hydrocarbon, but most of the ones in crude oil are alkanes. The general formula means that the number of hydrogen atoms in an alkane is double the number of carbon atoms, plus two. For example, methane is CH4 and ethane is C2H6. Alkane molecules can be represented by displayed formulas.read more >>