Ethylene: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฟ
ethylene
[ หษฮธษชliหn ]
chemical compound
Ethylene is a colorless gas with a sweet odor and taste, commonly used in the production of various chemicals and plastics. It is a hydrocarbon with the formula C2H4, and serves as a basic building block in the production of polyethylene, ethylene oxide, and other essential chemicals. Ethylene is naturally produced by plants and is known to play a significant role in the process of ripening fruits. Its significant applications in agriculture as a plant hormone to regulate growth and development further highlight its importance in both industrial and biological contexts.
Synonyms
ethene, ethylene gas
Examples of usage
- Ethylene is used extensively in the plastics industry.
- The ripening of bananas is influenced by ethylene gas.
- Researchers are studying ethylene's role in plant development.
- Ethylene production is a crucial aspect of petrochemical processing.
Translations
Translations of the word "ethylene" in other languages:
๐ต๐น etileno
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฅเคฟเคฒเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Ethylen
๐ฎ๐ฉ etilen
๐บ๐ฆ ะตัะธะปะตะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ etylen
๐ฏ๐ต ใจใใฌใณ
๐ซ๐ท รฉthylรจne
๐ช๐ธ etileno
๐น๐ท etilen
๐ฐ๐ท ์ํธ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฅูุซูููู
๐จ๐ฟ ethylen
๐ธ๐ฐ etylรฉn
๐จ๐ณ ไน็ฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ etilen
๐ฎ๐ธ etรฝlen
๐ฐ๐ฟ ััะธะปะตะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ etilen
๐ฒ๐ฝ etileno
Etymology
The term 'ethylene' is derived from the Greek word 'aithฤr,' meaning 'upper air' or 'pure fresh air,' reflecting its gaseous state. The word has historical roots in organic chemistry, where it was first identified in the early 19th century. It was recognized as a distinct chemical compound in 1825 when English scientist Michael Faraday first isolated it from the heat of yield of gas during the electrolysis of ethanol. In 1869, chemists confirmed its structure as a simple hydrocarbon with a double bond, contributing to its definition as a crucial building block in organic synthesis. Over the years, ethylene's role expanded significantly as it became vital in the petrochemical industry, leading to widespread applications in manufacturing and agriculture. Its identification as a plant hormone in the 20th century further attributed biological significance to ethylene, linking it to processes such as ripening and growth in various crops.