Ethane << EHTH ayn >> is an important industrial gas. It is obtained directly from natural gas or by refining petroleum. Its most important use is in preparing ethylene. Ethane is sometimes used as a fuel. Industries also prepare important organic compounds from it. Ethane is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas, slightly heavier than air. It is soluble in alcohol, but only slightly soluble in water. Ethane is the second member of the paraffin series of hydrocarbons. See also Ethylene; Hydrocarbon.
