How do you distinguish between ethane and ethene?

Answer 1

Ethane has two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms (C2H6). It is a flammable gas and is a saturated molecule, meaning that each carbon atom has four bonds linked to 4 other atoms. Methane (CH4), propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10) are similar molecules and all are flammable gases. Ethene has two carbon atoms and four hydrogen atoms (C2H4). It is also a gas but it is an unsaturated molecule: the two carbon atoms are linked by a double bond. Ethene molecules can join together into a single, long molecule. The result is a string of carbon atoms that each have two hydrogen atoms attached and are also linked to two other carbon atoms. This is polythene or polyethelene, a simple polymer that is used for plastic bags among other things. The ability to form into long chains is due to the double bond between the carbon atoms in the ethene molecule.

Answer 2

Ethane - A colorless odorless alkane gas used as fuel.

Ethene - A flammable colorless gaseous alkene; obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals; sometimes used as an anesthetic.

Ethyne - A colorless flammable gas used chiefly in welding and in organic synthesis.

Answer 3

Both ethene and ethane contain two carbons. Ethene has a double bond between its two carbons while ethane has a single bond. Because of this, ethane contains six hydrogen atoms, but ethene only contains four.

Answer 4

The presence of an extra carbon atom (in ethane) as well as two more hydrogen atoms.

Answer 5

Ethene has a double bond and is an alkene whereas ethane has no double bond and is an alkane.

Answer 6

Ethane is C2H6 because the formula is CnH2n+2 when -ane is used, and Ethene is C2H4 because the formula is CnH2n when -ene is used.