Ethane · C2H6 · Reviewed guide

C2H6 Lewis Structure

Ethane is H₃C–CH₃. The carbon atoms share one single bond, and each carbon forms three additional single bonds to hydrogen.

C₂H₆
H₃C–CH₃
Seven single bonds and no carbon lone pairs
Valence electrons14
C–C bondSingle
Geometry at CTetrahedral
Bond angleAbout 109.5°

How to draw C2H6

  1. Count 14 electrons.
    Two carbons contribute 8 and six hydrogens contribute 6.
  2. Connect the carbon atoms.
    Start with a C–C single bond.
  3. Attach three hydrogens to each carbon.
    This creates six C–H bonds.
  4. Check the electron total.
    Seven single bonds use all 14 electrons.
  5. Verify octets and charges.
    Each carbon has four bonds and every formal charge is zero.

Why there is no double bond

Each carbon already has four single bonds: three C–H bonds and one C–C bond. Adding a double bond would give carbon five bonds and exceed its usual octet.

Geometry

Each carbon has four bonding domains, so the local geometry is tetrahedral. The flat Lewis diagram does not show rotation around the C–C bond.

Common mistakes

  • Drawing a C=C double bond while keeping six hydrogens.
  • Putting a lone pair on carbon.
  • Calling the entire molecule planar because the Lewis formula is drawn on a flat page.

Reviewed July 16, 2026. Educational reference only.