The Mystery of Petroleum's Colorless, Odorless Gas
What is it?
Ethane: A Key Component
The answer to this crossword clue is "ethane," a colorless, odorless, and flammable gas that forms a major part of petroleum and natural gas. It belongs to the alkane series of hydrocarbons, denoted by its chemical formula C2H6.
Other Possible Solutions
Other possible solutions to the clue include "methane," "butane," and even "carbon dioxide." Methane is the main constituent of natural gas, while butane is a hydrocarbon compound present in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas that occurs naturally in the Earth's atmosphere.
Composition and Properties
Petroleum is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, including alkanes, cyclohexanes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Ethane, a gas at room temperature, is one of the lighter components of petroleum. It is highly flammable with a calorific value of about 1727 MJ/m3.
Uses of Ethane
Ethane is primarily used as a feedstock in the petrochemical industry. It is used in the production of ethylene, a versatile chemical used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic fibers, and other products.
Environmental Considerations
As a fossil fuel, the production and combustion of ethane can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. However, compared to other fossil fuels, ethane has a relatively low carbon footprint.
Conclusion
The colorless, odorless, flammable gas in petroleum is primarily ethane, a member of the alkane series. This gas plays a vital role in the petrochemical industry and is an important component of natural gas.
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