As an expert in the field of organic chemistry and petrochemicals, I can provide a comprehensive overview of the uses of ethene, commonly known as ethylene. Ethene is a colorless flammable gas with a sweet odor and is one of the most produced chemicals in the world. It serves as a key building block for a wide array of products that are integral to modern society.

Production and Industrial Significance
Ethene is primarily produced through a process known as steam cracking, which involves heating a hydrocarbon source, such as naphtha, ethane, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), to very high temperatures, typically around 750–900 °C (1382–1652 °F), in the presence of steam. This process breaks down larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones, including ethene. The reference to the site at Grangemouth in Scotland is indicative of the industrial scale at which ethene is produced, highlighting its economic and industrial importance.

Plastic Manufacturing
One of the most significant uses of ethene is in the production of plastics. When ethene undergoes a polymerization reaction, it forms polyethylene, which is one of the most widely used plastics globally. Polyethylene is utilized in the manufacture of a vast range of products, from packaging materials such as plastic bags and food containers to more durable items like pipes and automotive components.

Antifreeze Solutions and Solvents
Ethene is also used in the production of antifreeze solutions and solvents. Ethylene glycol, a compound derived from ethene, is commonly used in automotive coolants to prevent the engine from freezing in cold temperatures. Additionally, ethylene glycol is used as a solvent and in the manufacturing of various resins and fibers.

Agricultural Applications
In agriculture, ethene is used as a plant hormone that controls the ripening process of fruits. It is naturally produced by plants and can be artificially introduced to accelerate the ripening of products like tomatoes and bananas, which is particularly useful for the transportation and storage of these commodities.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Industry
Ethene is a precursor to various chemicals used in the pharmaceutical industry. For instance, it is used to synthesize ethylene oxide, which is a key intermediate in the production of antibiotics, antifreeze, and other medical products.

Packaging Industry
The packaging industry relies heavily on ethene-derived materials. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of polyester made from ethene, is widely used for making bottles for beverages, food packaging, and even in the textile industry for clothing production.

Other Industrial Uses
Beyond these primary applications, ethene is used in the synthesis of numerous other chemicals, including alcohols, detergents, and synthetic rubber. It is also a component in the production of synthetic fibers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and in the creation of various adhesives and coatings.

In summary, ethene is a versatile and essential chemical with applications that extend from the production of everyday items to more specialized uses in various industries. Its production and use are a testament to the importance of petrochemicals in the modern world.

read more >>

Ethene (ethylene) is the most important organic chemical, by tonnage, that is manufactured. It is the building block for a vast range of chemicals from plastics to antifreeze solutions and solvents. Figure 1 On the site at Grangemouth in Scotland, ethene is produced by steam cracking of naphtha.read more >>