How is Ethane prepared in the laboratory?
Ethane(C2H6) is an alkane.
When the mixture of Sodium propionate(C2H5COONa) and Soda-lime or Sodium hydroxide(NaOH) is heated using a Bunsen burner, the ethane(C2H6) is evolved.
The chemical equation is
C2H5COONa(s)Sodiumpropionate+NaOH(aq)Sodiumhydroxide→∆Na2CO3(s)Sodiumcarbonate+C2H6(g)Ethane.
How is : (a) methane and (b) ethane prepared in the laboratory?