Substance profile
Ethane
Ethane is a colorless gas and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Ethane is
Ethane is a colorless gas and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C2H6 and its molecular weight is 30.07 g/mol. It boils at -88.6 °C, melts at -183 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H220 | Extremely flammable gas. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | -88.6 °C (-127.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -88.61 °C (-127.5 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| -89 °C (-128.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -182.79 °C (-297 °F) | HSDB | |
| -173.28 °C (-279.9 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -183 °C (-297.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 0.446 g/cm³ | DOE PAC | |
| 0.546 g/cm³ | at -88.6 °C | CAMEO | |
| % IN SATURATED AIR: 100 AT 25 °C, 760 MM HG; DENSITY OF AIR SATURATED WITH VAPOR: 1.04 AT 25 °C, 760 MM HG (AIR= 1) | at 25 °C, at 760 mmHg | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Very soluble in benzene | HSDB | |
| 60.4 ug/mL water at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 60.2 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| 28880 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 0.0075 mmHg | at -183.3 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -135 °C (-211 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 472.22 °C (882 °F) | HSDB | |
| 504.44 °C (940 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 472 °C (881.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 3 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 2.9 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 12.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 13 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 1.04 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 1.05 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | 8.99X10+2 ppm (detection in water, purity not specified) | HSDB | |
| Ethane has a thresholds of 184.5 ppm (low) and 1105.77 ppm (high). | HSDB | ||
| Odor index @ 20 °C= 25300 ppm | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 32 °C (89.6 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ethane
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Chlorine dioxide mixed with ... ethane ... always explodes spontaneously.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as ETHANE, may be incompatible with strong oxidizing agents like nitric acid. Charring of the hydrocarbon may occur followed by ignition of unreacted hydrocarbon and other nearby combustibles. In other settings, aliphatic saturated hydrocarbons are mostly unreactive. They are not affected by aqueous solutions of acids, alkalis, most oxidizing agents, and most reducing agents. Peroxidizable
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ethane in the storage compatibility matrix →