What Is Ethylene?
Ethylene is a hydrocarbon with
the formula C2H4. Found in nature, it is
a colorless, flammable gas with a very faint odor when in its
purest form. As a hydrocarbon with carbon-carbon double bonds
and only two carbons, ethylene is the simplest alkene.
Ethylene is widely used to create
many household items. Its largest use globally is for
polyethylene - the world's most used plastic - for carrier bags, trash
bags and garbage cans. The second largest use is in PVC-related
products. Ethylene is also used to produce glycols, which are found in antifreeze and cleaning products; polyester, found in clothing
and plastic bottles; and styrene, found in Styrofoam cups, tires and TV casings. As a natural compound,
ethylene is even used in horticulture to accelerate fruit
ripening.
More than 150 million tons of
ethylene are produced every year throughout the world, more than
any other organic compound.