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Ethane

Also known as: ETHANE · Bimethyl · Dimethyl · 74-84-0

CAS No.
74-84-0
Formula
C2H6
Molar mass
30.07 g/mol
PubChem CID
6324
GHS pictograms
GHS pictogram: FlammableFlammable
GHS pictogram: Compressed gasCompressed gas
GHS pictogram: Harmful / IrritantHarmful / Irritant
2D structure of Ethane
2D structure · PubChem CID 6324

Summary

Ethane (C2H6), CAS 74-84-0. Common in labs and industry. Read on for hazards, storage, PPE and mixing rules.

Background

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Hazards

GHS pictogram: Flammable
Flammable (GHS02)

Ignites easily when exposed to a flame or spark.

GHS pictogram: Compressed gas
Compressed gas (GHS04)

Contents under pressure, may explode if heated.

GHS pictogram: Harmful / Irritant
Harmful / Irritant (GHS07)

May cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation.

Hazard statements

  • H220: Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]
  • H280: Contains gas under pressure
  • H281: Contains refrigerated gas
  • H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure

Storage

Temperature

Keep at room temperature, below 30 °C, out of direct heat.

Ventilation

Store somewhere well-ventilated and away from any ignition source.

Containers

Metal drums or tinted glass, tightly sealed.

Keep away from

Strong acids, strong bases and powerful oxidizers.

Personal protective equipment

Gloves

Nitrile or butyl, at least 0.4 mm thick.

Eye protection

Safety goggles with side shields.

Respirator

A2 organic-vapor cartridge if the room isn't well ventilated.

Occupational exposure limits (HSE)

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EU harmonised classification (ECHA C&L)

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Transport

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FDA recalls & enforcement

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Compatibilities

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Practical safety notes

  • Flammable. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces and sparks. Ground containers when transferring.
  • Compressed gas. Secure cylinders upright, protect valves, store in ventilated areas.
  • Irritant / harmful. Ventilate the workspace and avoid skin contact.

Derived from the GHS classification shown above. These notes are generic guidance and do not replace the manufacturer's SDS or your local risk assessment.

FAQ

Is Ethane flammable?+

Yes. Ethane (CAS 74-84-0) carries the GHS02 flame pictogram. Keep it away from ignition sources, use non-sparking tools, and ground metal containers when transferring liquid.

What PPE should I wear when handling Ethane?+

Safety glasses with side shields and nitrile gloves are the baseline. Ventilation should be sufficient to keep vapours below the occupational exposure limit. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.

How should Ethane be stored?+

Store Ethane (CAS 74-84-0) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Use a flammable-liquid cabinet and keep away from oxidizers and heat.

Is Ethane dangerous for the environment?+

No specific environmental pictogram (GHS09) is listed in our records for Ethane, but any chemical waste should be handled through your site's hazardous-waste procedure, not poured down the drain.

Where can I find the official Safety Data Sheet for Ethane?+

Official, up-to-date SDS documents are published by each manufacturer (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck, Thermo Fisher, VWR, Carl Roth, etc.) and by regulators such as ECHA and NIOSH. This page is an educational summary and does not replace the manufacturer's SDS.

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