Characteristics
Under normal conditions, ethylene is a colourless, flammable gas of a sweetish odour, slightly lighter than air. It forms explosive mixtures with air over the range of concentrations given above. It is a biologically active compound, as a plant enzyme: in small concentrations ethylene accelerates the growth of plants and hastens ripening of fruits, but also stimulates the shedding of foliage and ageing of plants.

Ethylene of polymerisation quality is obtained at our Olefines Department II in the process of hydrocarbons pyrolysis. It is then extracted from the post-pyrolysis gas mixture through low-temperature distillation. 

Application
Ethylene is used for production of such chemicals as:

• polyethylene and its co-polymers,
• ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol,
• vinyl chloride and PVC
• tetrachloroethylene (used as solvent in "chemical" laundries).
• tetrafluoroethylene (for production of Teflon).

Properties