Chemical Symbol: C2H4
Synonyms: Ethene
Description
Ethylene is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet and musty odor.
It is nontoxic and has been used for anesthetic purposes. Ethylene
reacts by addition to give saturated paraffins or derivatives of paraffin
hydrocarbons.
Uses
Ethylene is used in the production of ethyl, benzene, ethanol, ethylene
oxide, ethylene glycol and ethylene dichloride. It is also used when
manufacturing polyethylene plastics. In addition, it is used when producing
ethyl chloride, dichloromethane, vinyl chloride, ethyl ether, methyl
acrylate and styrene. The gas can also be used as a refrigerant and
a fuel for cutting and welding of metal. It used to be used as an anesthetic.
Sometimes it is also used for plant growth and fruit ripening.
