Etyleenille

Etyleenille, also known as ethene, is a simple organic compound with the chemical formula C2H4. It is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. Ethylene is a hydrocarbon consisting of two carbon atoms and four hydrogen atoms. The two carbon atoms are joined by a double bond, which makes ethylene a very reactive molecule.

Ethylene is a crucial building block in the petrochemical industry. It is primarily produced through the steam cracking of hydrocarbons, such as ethane or naphtha. The vast majority of ethylene produced is used to manufacture polyethylene, a widely used plastic. Polyethylene finds applications in packaging films, bags, bottles, and many other consumer and industrial products.

Beyond polyethylene, ethylene is also a precursor for other important chemicals. It is used in the production of ethylene oxide, which is then converted into ethylene glycol, an antifreeze agent and a component of polyester fibers. Ethylene can also be converted into vinyl chloride, the monomer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), another significant plastic. Furthermore, ethylene is used to produce styrene, which is used in polystyrene plastics and synthetic rubber.

In its gaseous form, ethylene is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. It is also a plant hormone, playing a role in fruit ripening, flower wilting, and leaf abscission. This biological activity is exploited in some agricultural applications to control the ripening process of fruits.