Propeeni

Propeeni, commonly known as propene or propylene, is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature with the chemical formula C3H6. It is the simplest alkene, containing a carbon–carbon double bond, and it serves as a major industrial building block in petrochemistry. Propene is produced on a large scale during petroleum refining and in petrochemical processing, mainly by steam cracking or catalytic cracking of larger hydrocarbons, and by dehydrogenation of propane.

Properties and reactions: Propene boils at −42.1 °C and is sparingly soluble in water, remaining a gas at typical ambient conditions. It undergoes electrophilic addition across the C=C bond and participates in a range of reactions, including hydration to form isopropanol, hydrohalogenation to yield propyl halides, and oxidation to various carbonyl compounds. It polymerizes readily under appropriate catalysts to form poly(propene) (polypropylene), a widely used plastic.

Applications: The primary use of propene is as a monomer for polypropylene production, which is employed in packaging, textiles, automotive parts, and consumer goods. It also serves as a precursor for a variety of derivatives, such as acrylates and oxo alcohols, through established industrial processes.

Safety and handling: Propene is flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air. It is typically stored as a compressed gas or liquefied gas in pressurized containers, kept away from heat sources, and handled with appropriate ventilation and equipment to prevent accumulation.

Etymology and history: The name derives from its three-carbon skeleton and a carbon–carbon double bond. The compound was identified in the 19th century and has since become one of the most important feedstocks in modern chemistry.