As a specialist in the field of chemistry, I would like to clarify that ethylene and ethene are indeed the same chemical compound. This substance has the chemical formula C2H4 and is a simple alkene, which is a hydrocarbon with a carbon-carbon double bond.

The confusion between the two names can be traced back to the historical development of chemical nomenclature. Initially, ethylene was the common name used for this compound, and it was derived from the Greek word "ethos" meaning "burning" and "genes" meaning "origin", reflecting its flammability. This name was widely used and recognized in the scientific community.

However, with the establishment of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and the development of systematic nomenclature rules, there was an effort to standardize the naming of chemical compounds. The 1979 IUPAC nomenclature rules made an exception for ethylene, allowing it to retain its non-systematic name. This was a recognition of its widespread use and acceptance.

In 1993, the IUPAC revised its nomenclature rules, and the decision was made to revert to the systematic name ethene for C2H4. This change was part of a broader effort to ensure consistency and clarity in chemical naming. The name ethene is derived from the Greek word "ethos" and the suffix "-ene", which is used for alkenes. This systematic name reflects the structure of the compound more accurately and aligns with the principles of IUPAC nomenclature.

Despite the change in the official name, both ethylene and ethene are still used interchangeably in scientific literature and industry. The choice of which name to use often depends on the context and the preference of the speaker or writer. In academic and research settings, it is important to be aware of the IUPAC nomenclature rules and to use the systematic name ethene when appropriate. However, in informal discussions or in regions where the older name is still commonly used, ethylene may still be encountered.

In summary, ethylene and ethene refer to the same chemical entity, and the transition from ethylene to ethene reflects the evolution of chemical nomenclature and the efforts of the IUPAC to standardize naming conventions. It is essential for chemists and students of chemistry to understand both names and to be able to use them correctly in different contexts.

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Nomenclature. The 1979 IUPAC nomenclature rules made an exception for retaining the non-systematic name ethylene, however, this decision was reversed in the 1993 rules so the IUPAC name is now ethene.read more >>