Ethylene is a colorless, flammable gas with a mildly sweet aroma, and is the simplest alkene in the hydrocarbon family. It holds a vital role in modern industry due to its versatility and high reactivity. Industrially produced on a large scale, ethylene serves as a fundamental raw material in the petrochemical sector, most notably for manufacturing polyethylene (PE), one of the world’s most widely used plastics.
Beyond plastic production, ethylene is essential in the synthesis of chemicals such as ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and various industrial solvents. It also plays an important role in agriculture, where it functions as a plant hormone to control fruit ripening and growth regulation. Ethylene’s wide range of applications underscores its critical role across chemical, industrial, and agricultural domains.
