Question

Give the main uses of – 

1. Methane 

2. Ethane 

3. Ethene 

4. Ethyne 

5. Ethanol 

6. Ethanoic acid.

Answer 1

The main uses of: 

(1) Methane and 

(2) Ethane – 

(a) Illuminant and domestic fuel: In the form of natural gas or gobar gas. [Hydrocarbons – have high calorific value. They are easily combustible and the reaction is exothermic – releasing heat energy. Hence they are excellent fuels] 

(b) In manufacture of chemicals : 

Used as : 

1. Chloroform : Solvent for rubber, waxes. As an anaesthesia. 

2. Carbon black : A black pigment in shoe polishes, printers ink etc. 

3. Formaldehyde : An antiseptic, preservative for biological specimens. 

4. Methanol : Solvent for varnishes, anti-freeze for automobiles. 

5. Ethanol: Solvent for resins, a low freezing liquid in thermometers. 

(3) Ethene – 

(a) Production of oxy-ethylene torch : For welding purposes and cutting metals. 

(b) Ripening of green fruits : Artificial ripening and preservation of fruits.

(c) Catalytic hydrogenation: Used in hardening of oils. 

(d) It is also used in manufacturing of : 

1. Synthetic chemicals : Ethylene glycol [anti-freeze], di-ethyl ether [solvent], ethylene oxide [fumigant], mustard gas [chemical warfare], 

2. Polymers : Polyetheylene, polyvinyl chloride [P.V.C.]- used in packaging, insulators, containers, rain coats etc. 

(4) Ethyne – 

(a) It is used for producing oxy-acetylene flame for welding and cutting purposes as it produces temperature as high as 3500°C. 

(b) It is used as an illuminant in oxyacetylene lamp. 

(c) It is used in the manufacture of solvent like westron (C₂H₂C₁₄ ) and westrosol (CHCl = CC₂ ).

(5) Ethanol – Main Uses of Ethanol 

(a) As a solvent – For gums and resins 

(b) In thermometers and spirit levels – Low freezing mobile liquid, [freezing point – 114.1°C].

(c) In manufacture of chemicals – Acetaldehyde [dyes], acetic acid [manufacture of vinegar], chloroform [antiseptic] diethyl ether [anaeshetic]. 

(6) Ethanoic acid – Uses : 

(a) It is used as a solvent for many organic reactions. 

(b) It is used as vinegar for preparing pickles etc. 

(c) It is used for preparing various organic compounds like acetone, acetic anhydride ester etc. 

(d) It is used as cogulating agent in rubber industries. 

(e) It is used for making perfumes and medicines.