Ethylene

 

Ethylene

Chemical formula	C2H4
OTP appearance	colorless gas
Molar Mass(g/mol)	28
Density(g/cc)	0.001178
Melting Point(°C)	-169
Boiling Point(°C)	-103
Solubility in water(g/L)	0.035
Speed of sound 20°C, 1atm (m/s)	327
NFPA 704	4 2 2

Uses

Primary

• Industrial Chemical
• Feedstock for ethylene dichloride
• Feedstock for polymers (e.g. polyethylene)

Natural occurrence

• Occurs naturally in vegetation, particularly ripening fruits

Hazards

• Extremely flammable
• Typical hydrocarbon CNS depression

Production

Synthesis

dehydration of ethanol

• Dehydrate ethanol in hot sulfuric acid

  C₂H₅OH

  {H₂SO₄

  →

  ≥140°C}

  C₂H₄ + H₂O

See Also

• diethyl ether (similar synthesis)