Ethylene, also known by its IUPAC name ethene (C₂H₄), is the simplest alkene and a highly flammable, colorless gas with a faint sweet, musky odor. Although noncorrosive and not toxic, ethylene acts as a simple asphyxiant and can pose significant hazards; it is easily ignited, and flames may flash back to the source of a leak, while containers exposed to intense heat or fire may rupture violently. The vapors produced from boiling ethylene are lighter than air and can contribute to explosive conditions. Industrially, ethylene is a crucial organic chemical, widely used as a precursor in the production of polymers, plastics, solvents, and antifreeze. It also finds applications as an anesthetic and refrigerant. Ethylene is primarily produced through steam cracking, a petrochemical process where hydrocarbons are heated with steam at high temperatures (750–950 °C), breaking larger molecules into smaller, unsaturated compounds like ethylene.

Structure of Ethylene

• Molecular Formula: C₂H₄
• Structural Formula: H₂C=CH₂
• Bonding: Ethylene consists of two carbon atoms double-bonded to each other, with each carbon also bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
• Hybridization: Each carbon atom is sp² hybridized, forming a trigonal planar geometry.
• Bond Angle: Approximately 120° between H-C-H and H-C=C bonds.
• Pi (π) Bond: The double bond includes one sigma (σ) bond and one pi (π) bond, making ethylene reactive in polymerization and addition reactions.