Chemical Symbol: C2H4
Synonyms: Ethylene

Description:
Ethylene is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet and musty odor. It is nontoxic and has been used for anesthetic purposes. Ethylene reacts by addition to give saturated paraffins or derivatives of paraffin hydrocarbons.

Uses:
Ethylene is used in the production of ethyl, benzene, ethanol, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol and ethylene dichloride. It is also used when manufacturing polyethylene plastics. In addition, it is used when producing ethyl chloride, dichloromethane, vinyl chloride, ethyl ether, methyl acrylate and styrene. The gas can also be used as a refrigerant and a fuel for cutting and welding of metal. It used to be used as an anesthetic. Sometimes it is also used for plant growth and fruit ripening.