ethylene
/'eθili:n/
Definition
- Noun:
- A colorless, flammable hydrocarbon gas: Ethylene is a simple alkene (C₂H₄) with a carbon-carbon double bond. It is a fundamental building block in the petrochemical industry.
- A plant hormone: In biology, ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone that regulates processes such as fruit ripening, flower wilting, and leaf fall.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Industrial Chemical):
- The factory produces ethylene from natural gas.
- Polyethylene plastic is made by polymerizing ethylene.
- Noun (Plant Biology):
- Bananas release ethylene as they ripen.
- Farmers can control fruit ripening by managing ethylene levels.
Advanced Usage
- "Ethylene glycol": A related compound used as antifreeze. (Note: This is a distinct chemical derivative).
- The car's radiator contains ethylene glycol to prevent freezing.
- "Ethylene oxide": A sterilizing gas and chemical intermediate derived from ethylene.
- Medical equipment is often sterilized with ethylene oxide.
Variants and Related Words
- Ethene: The systematic IUPAC name for ethylene.
- Ethyl (adj): A prefix or radical (C₂H₅-) derived from ethane, not ethylene. It is related but denotes a different chemical structure (single bonds).
Synonyms
- Ethene (technical synonym).
- Ripening hormone (contextual synonym in botany).
Related Phrases / Compounds
- Ethylene production: The industrial process of creating ethylene.
- Ethylene signaling: The biochemical pathway in plants involving the ethylene hormone.
- Ethylene cracker: A large industrial facility that produces ethylene from hydrocarbons.
Noun
-
a flammable colorless gaseous alkene; obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals; sometimes used as an anesthetic
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