The absorption spectrum of ethane was recorded at 0.014 cm−1resolution in the range 4500–6500 cm−1using a Fourier transform spectrometer and at room temperature. Eighteen bands could be identified and their type assigned. Upper state rotational constants are provided for the band at 5948.338 cm−1and Coriolis constants are obtained for most perpendicular bands. Vibrational assignments are suggested for the bands at 5948 cm−1(v7 +v10), 5914 cm−1(v8 +v10+v11), and 5852cm−1(v5+v10). All vibrational bands reported in the literature are gathered.