etylenen

Etylenen is the term used in some languages to refer to the chemical compound ethylene (IUPAC name ethene). It is the simplest member of the alkenes, with the formula C2H4 and a carbon–carbon double bond. Etylenen is a colorless gas at room temperature, with a molecular weight of 28.05 g/mol. Its boiling point is −104 °C and its melting point is −169 °C. The double bond makes the molecule reactive in addition reactions and a key starting material for polymerization.

Production and occurrence: Ethylene is produced on a large scale by steam cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks such as ethane, naphtha, or propane. It is a central building block in the petrochemical industry, and a natural plant metabolite that regulates fruit ripening and other processes.

Applications: It polymerizes readily to polyethylene, one of the most common plastics; it is also converted to ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and vinyl chloride monomer; other derivatives include various solvents and intermediates used in consumer and industrial products.

Safety and handling: Ethylene is flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air; it is stored under pressure in specially designed cylinders and piping systems. Adequate ventilation is required, and exposure limits aim to minimize risks of asphyxiation and other health effects.