Ethane is a hydrocarbon with a molecular structure C2H6, and belongs to the group of natural gas liquids (or NGLs). NGLs include ethane, propane (C4H8), n-butane (C4H10), iso-butane (C4H10), and natural gasoline (C5 and C6 molecules). Natural gas processors separate the raw gas stream into these various components. Ethane has been produced in increasing quantity in the U.S. over the past few years.

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