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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Ethane and Ethene?

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Ethane and ethene are both hydrocarbons, but they have different structures and properties. The main differences between ethane and ethene are:

  1. Structure: Ethane has single bonds only, whereas ethene has a double bond between the two carbon atoms. Ethane is considered a saturated hydrocarbon, while ethene is considered an unsaturated hydrocarbon.
  2. Molecular Formula: The molecular formula for ethane is C2H6, and for ethene, it is C2H4.
  3. Hybridization: The carbon atoms in ethane are sp3 hybridized, while the carbon atoms in ethene are sp2 hybridized.
  4. Reactivity: Ethene has a double bond, which is electron-rich, making it easier to attract an electrophile and break the double bond to form multiple single bonds. Ethane is more stable and less reactive due to its saturated structure.
  5. Boiling Point: Ethane has stronger intermolecular attractions (van der Waals forces) than ethene, which results in a higher boiling point for ethane.
  6. Polymerization: Ethene can undergo polymerization reactions, but ethane cannot.
  7. Bromine Test: Ethene and ethane can be differentiated using the bromine test. Ethene is an unsaturated compound and will decolorize bromine water, while ethane is a saturated compound and will not decolorize bromine water.
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  • What is the Difference Between Ethane and Ethene?
  • Comparative Table: Ethane vs Ethene

    • Comparative Table: Ethane vs Ethene

    Here is a table comparing the differences between ethane and ethene:

    Property Ethane Ethene
    Chemical Formula C2H6 C2H4
    Molecular Structure Each carbon atom is bonded to four hydrogen atoms (tetrahedral structure). Each carbon atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and has a double bond with the other carbon atom (trigonal planar structure with each bond angle approximately 120 degrees).
    Bonding Each carbon requires a full octet and forms four sigma bonds with hydrogen atoms and one sigma bond between the carbons (forming a total of 7 sigma bonds). Each carbon atom forms three sigma bonds with hydrogen atoms and a pi bond with the other carbon atom (forming a total of 6 sigma bonds and 1 pi bond).
    Stability Ethane has stronger intermolecular attractions (van der Waals forces) than ethene, making it more stable. Ethene has a double bond, which is electron-rich, making it easier to attract an electrophile and break the double bond to form multiple single bonds. A pi bond is easier to break than a sigma bond, making ethene more reactive than ethane.
    Boiling Point Ethane has a higher boiling point than ethene due to its stronger intermolecular attractions. Ethene has a lower boiling point than ethane because of its weaker intermolecular attractions.

    In summary, ethane has a more stable structure with tetrahedral geometry and a higher boiling point, while ethene has a trigonal planar geometry with a double bond between the carbons, making it more reactive and with a lower boiling point.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.