93 sp² Hybrid Orbitals and the Structure of EthyleneC2H6 is a hydrocarbon molecule with a structural formula consisting of two carbon atoms bonded by a single bond (C-C) and six hydrogen atoms bonded to those carbon atoms. The structural diagram of
ethane shows that each carbon atom has three bonds, with hydrogen atoms filling in the remaining valencies. In terms of its structural properties, ethane is a nonpolar molecule because the electronegativity difference between carbon and hydrogen atoms is relatively small, leading to equal sharing of electrons within the carbon-hydrogen bonds. The Lewis structure of ethane, C2H6, contributes to its physical properties, such as its comparatively low boiling point and relatively high flammability.