Ethane (C2H6) is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas, constituting a major component of natural gas alongside methane. It is widely used as a fuel source and as a feedstock in the petrochemical industry for producing ethylene via steam cracking, which is a precursor to polyethylene and other plastics. Ethane's high flammability makes it a significant fire and explosion hazard when mixed with air, requiring careful handling and storage as a compressed gas. It is typically transported in pressurized cylinders or pipelines. While ethane is relatively non-toxic, it can act as an asphyxiant in high concentrations by displacing oxygen in confined spaces.
