prop1ene

Propene, also known as propylene, is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature and pressure. It is the simplest alkene with three carbon atoms and has the structural formula CH2=CH-CH3, featuring a terminal carbon–carbon double bond. Propene is a reactive monomer and a key building block in modern chemistry and materials science.

Industrial production and sources: Propene is largely produced during the refining of petroleum and processing of natural gas. It occurs as a byproduct of steam cracking and catalytic cracking of larger hydrocarbons and is often isolated from refinery streams as part of the C3 fraction. It can also be produced by dehydration of propan-2-ol. In industry, propene is typically stored and transported as a pressurized gas.

Reactions and applications: The carbon–carbon double bond enables a wide range of addition reactions, including hydrogenation to propane, hydration to isopropanol, and halogenation or hydrohalogenation to alkyl halides. Propene is the principal monomer for polypropylene, produced by various polymerization catalysts (such as Ziegler–Natta or metallocene systems), yielding one of the most widely used plastics. It also serves as a feedstock for the production of other chemicals and specialty polymers through dedicated downstream processes.

Safety and handling: Propene is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. It is a volatile organic compound and a potential air pollutant. In industrial settings, inhibitors may be added to liquids to prevent premature polymerization, and proper ventilation and handling procedures are required to minimize exposure risks.