Question

How is ethane prepared in the laboratory?

Answer 1

Reactants: Sodium propanoate (sodium propionate) and soda lime.

Procedure: A mixture of sodium propionate and soda lime is taken in a boiling tube and heated over a bunsen burner (as shown in fig.)

Reaction: \[\ce{C2H5COONa + NaOH ->[CaO][300^\circ C] Na2CO3 + C2H6\uparrow}\]

Collection: The gas evolved is collected by downward displacement of water.