Give the main uses of –

(i) Methane

(ii) Ethane

(iii) Ethene

(iv) Ethyne

(v) Ethanol

(vi) Ethanoic acid.

(i) Uses of Methane:

1. Methane is used as a domestic fuel.
2. Methane is used in the preparation of useful compounds like ethyne (acetylene), methanal (formal-dehyde), methanol, chloro-methane and tetrachloro-methane (carbon tetrachloride).
3. Methane is a source of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

(ii) Uses of Ethane:

1. Ethane is used as a gaseous and automobile fuel.
2. Ethane is used in the preparation of ethene, ethanol, ethanal (acetaldehyde) and ethanoic acid (acetic acid).
3. It forms ethyl chloride which is used to make tetraethyllead. 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane is one solvent that is used a lot in dry cleaning.

(iii) Uses of Ethene:

1. Production of oxy-ethylene torch — For welding purposes and cutting metals.
2. Ripening of green fruits — Artificial ripening and preservation of fruits.
3. Catalytic hydrogenation — Used in hardening of oils.
4. Manufacture 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.

(iv) Uses of Ethyne:

1. Production of oxy-acetylene torch — for welding and cutting metals [flame temp. 3500°C] .
2. Ripening of green fruits — Artificial ripening and preservation of fruits.
3. Manufacture of organic compounds — Acetic acid, Acetaldehyde, Acetylene dichloride, Ethyl alcohol, Oxalic acid.
4. Manufacture of synthetic products — Polymers, synthetic rubbers and fibres.

(v) Uses of Ethanol:

1. It is a good solvent for gums and resins.
2. It is used in thermometers and as a preservative for biological specimens due to its low freezing point.
3. It is used in the manufacture of chemicals such as chloroform, iodoform, ether, acetic acid and synthetic products like dyes, esters (perfumes), antiseptics, preservatives.
4. Ethyl alcohol is used in alcoholic drinks like whisky, wine and beer.
5. As a fuel in powdered form and as an antifreeze for automobile radiators.

(vi) Uses of Ethanoic acid:

1. In manufacture of important organic compounds — Vinyl acetate [used in resins], acetic anhydride [used in aspirin], cellulose acetate [used in synthetic fibres], various dyes, perfumes and medicines.
2. In the food industry — Vinegar for preserving and flavouring food.
3. As a solvent — It dissolves phosphorous, sulphur, iodine, resins, cellulose, etc.
4. As a laboratory reagent — It is used for preparing acetone, esters, etc.
5. As a coagulant — For coagulating rubber from latex.