eteenimolekyylin

eteenimolekyylin, also known as ethene or ethylene, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H4. It is the simplest alkene, characterized by a carbon-carbon double bond. This double bond is crucial to ethene's reactivity, making it a versatile building block in organic chemistry. At room temperature and pressure, ethene is a colorless gas with a faintly sweet odor. It is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air.

Ethene is a fundamental chemical in industrial production. Its primary use is as a precursor in the synthesis of polyethylene, one of the most widely produced plastics globally. This polymer finds applications in packaging, films, bottles, and many other everyday items. Beyond polyethylene, ethene is also used to produce other important chemicals such as ethylene oxide, which is a precursor to antifreeze and detergents, and vinyl chloride, used in the production of PVC.

Naturally, ethene is produced by plants and plays a significant role in their physiology. It acts as a plant hormone, influencing processes like fruit ripening, senescence, and flower development. This natural production and its profound effect on plant life have led to its use in agriculture to control ripening in harvested fruits.