monopropylene

Monopropylene, also known as propylene or propene, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H6. It is a colorless, flammable gas with a faint, sweet odor. Monopropylene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon, meaning it contains a double bond between two carbon atoms. This double bond makes it a reactive molecule, susceptible to addition reactions.

Industrially, monopropylene is primarily produced as a byproduct of petroleum refining, specifically through the steam cracking of hydrocarbons and as a co-product in fluid catalytic cracking. It can also be produced through other methods like propane dehydrogenation. Its main application is as a feedstock for the production of polypropylene, a versatile plastic used in a wide array of products including packaging, textiles, and automotive parts.

Beyond polypropylene, monopropylene is a crucial precursor for other chemicals. It is used to manufacture propylene oxide, which is then used to produce polyurethanes for foams and coatings. Other derivatives include acrylonitrile, used in plastics and synthetic fibers, and cumene, a precursor to phenol and acetone. Monopropylene also finds use in the production of isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) and acrylic acid. Its flammability necessitates careful handling and storage in industrial settings.