ORGANIC CHEMISTRY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site ethene (C2H4) Also known as ethylene, the first member of the alkene family of hydrocarbons. Ethene is a colorless, flammable gas, with a slightly sweet smell. It burns in air with a luminous flame and forms an explosive mixture with pure oxygen. It combines directly with the halogens, e.g., with chlorine to form 1,2-dichloroethane. With hydrogen it forms ethane. Ethene is made by cracking hydrocarbons from petroleum and is an important raw material for making other organic chemicals, including ethanal, ethanol, and ethane-1,2-diol. It can be polymerized to make polyethene. Ethene occurs naturally in plants, in which it serves as a growth substance. It is well known for its ability to stimulate the ripening of fruits. Melting point -169.4 °C Boiling point -103.7 °C Related category    • ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP