Etüleeni

Etüleeni is the Estonian name for ethylene, also known as ethene, a simple unsaturated hydrocarbon with the formula C2H4. It is the smallest member of the alkenes and exists as a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature. The molecule features a carbon–carbon double bond, which makes it more reactive than alkanes and gives rise to a wide range of addition reactions and polymerization pathways.

Production and availability: Ethylene is produced primarily by steam cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks such as naphtha, gas oil, or propane/butane mixtures. It is one of the most produced organic compounds worldwide and is also obtained as a byproduct in some refinery processes. The gas is typically separated from other hydrocarbon streams and used as a basic feedstock for downstream chemicals and polymers.

Major uses: The principal use of ethylene is as a building block for polymers, notably polyethylene. It is also converted to ethylene oxide, vinyl chloride monomer, and various alcohols and solvents. In addition, ethylene acts as a plant hormone, regulating processes such as fruit ripening and flower senescence at very low concentrations.

Properties and safety: Ethylene is a colorless gas with a boiling point of about −104 °C. It is highly flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air. In industrial settings, it is handled with robust leak detection and ventilation, with appropriate storage and piping rated for flammable gases.