Ethylene is a basic hydrocarbon gas used to create polymers for plastics and composite materials. It can be extracted from petroleum by-products or created in a lab. It has a sweet scent, is highly flammable, and was once used as anesthesia. Ethylene is also naturally produced by plants and can be used in agriculture to accelerate maturation and increase crop yields.
Ethylene is a gaseous material which is one of the most basic types of hydrocarbons. Its simple structure consists of two carbon molecules bonded with four hydrogen molecules, giving it a molecular formula of C2H4. While ethylene occurs naturally in plants, it can also be created in a laboratory via a chemical reaction. The vast majority of this material is derived from petroleum by-products and is used to create the polymers that act as the building blocks for plastics and composite materials. This gas can also be used in agriculture and food production to help mature certain types of plants on demand.
While ethylene can exist in solid or liquid form at extreme temperatures, it is most often found in a gaseous state. This gas has a very distinctive sweet scent, which some may find similar to ether. It is colorless, making it virtually impossible to detect with the naked eye. Those working with this gas should use extreme caution, as it is highly flammable and can even contribute to explosions under certain types of conditions. Many facilities that rely on ethylene must use special precautions when storing or handling this material.
For many years, ethylene has served as a valuable anesthesia during surgery and other medical procedures. Eventually, this type of use was discontinued due to the danger of this gas, particularly its highly flammable nature. Today this material is mainly used in industrial and manufacturing applications rather than as anesthesia.
Ethylene can be extracted from petroleum by-products using special equipment. Due to the nature of the equipment involved, this extraction is typically done in petroleum refineries. This gas is separated using a steam cracking process, then subjected to refinement by distillation and condensation. Ethylene can also be made in the laboratory in smaller quantities by subjecting ethanol to a chemical reaction.
Most of the ethylene is converted into polymers, which act as building blocks for the plastic. It can be made into plastic bags or used to make containers for food and other household items. This gas is also used in the production of styrene, which can then be used to make synthetic rubber tires or even foam insulation for buildings.
All plants naturally produce small quantities of ethylene gas. As the plant matures, it converts amino acids into a gaseous form of this material, which helps the plant mature or flower. Scientists can now expose plants to ethylene in agricultural settings to accelerate maturation and increase crop yields.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
