Etüleenil

Etüleenil, also known as ethene, is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H4. It is a colorless gas with a faintly sweet odor. Etüleenil is the simplest alkene, characterized by a carbon-carbon double bond. This double bond makes etüleenil a highly reactive compound, which is fundamental to its industrial importance.

In nature, etüleenil is produced by plants and plays a crucial role in plant physiology. It acts as a plant hormone, influencing processes such as fruit ripening, flower senescence, and leaf abscission. This biological function has led to its use in agriculture to control the ripening of fruits.

Industrially, etüleenil is a major commodity chemical, primarily produced through the steam cracking of hydrocarbons like ethane or naphtha. Its main application is as a precursor for the production of polyethylene, the most common plastic worldwide. Polyethylene is used in a vast array of products, including packaging films, bottles, bags, and containers. Beyond polyethylene, etüleenil is also used in the synthesis of other important chemicals such as ethylene oxide, which is a precursor to ethylene glycol (used in antifreeze) and polyester fibers, as well as vinyl chloride, the monomer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The production and use of etüleenil are significant aspects of the petrochemical industry.