E
AllChemicals — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/ethylene
Quick Reference
| Formula / Notation | C2H4 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 74-85-1 |
| Molecular Weight | 28.05 |
| Melting Point | -272.4 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | -154.7 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 0.569 at -154.84 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Solubility | In water, 131 mg/L at 25 °C |
| Appearance | Ethylene appears as a colorless gas with a sweet odor and taste. It is lighter than air. It is easily ignited and a flame can easily flash back to the source of the leak. Under prolonged exposure t... |
| Also Known As | ethene; Ethene; Acetene; Elayl; Olefiant gas; 74-85-1; Athylen; Etileno; Liquid ethylene; Bicarburretted hydrogen |
| Category | Organic Compounds |
What is Ethylene?
Ethene is a gas molecular entity and an alkene. It has a role as a plant hormone and a refrigerant.
Formula & Notation
C2H4
IUPAC Name: ethene
Other Names / Synonyms: ethene; Ethene; Acetene; Elayl; Olefiant gas; 74-85-1; Athylen; Etileno; Liquid ethylene; Bicarburretted hydrogen
Properties & Characteristics
Appearance: Ethylene appears as a colorless gas with a sweet odor and taste. It is lighter than air. It is easily ignited and a flame can easily flash back to the source of the leak. Under prolonged exposure t.... Molecular formula: C2H4. Molecular weight: 28.05 g/mol. Boiling point: -154.7 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999). Melting point: -272.4 °F (USCG, 1999). Density: 0.569 at -154.84 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: In water, 131 mg/L at 25 °C. Vapor pressure: Vapor pressure 4,040 kPa (-1.5 °C). LogP: 1.2.
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | -272.4 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | -154.7 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 0.569 at -154.84 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Molecular Weight | 28.05 |
| Solubility | In water, 131 mg/L at 25 °C |
| Appearance | Ethylene appears as a colorless gas with a sweet odor and taste. It is lighter than air. It is easily ignited and a flame can easily flash back to the source of the leak. Under prolonged exposure t... |
Uses & Applications
Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.
Safety Information
Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Term
Ethylene
Formula
C2H4
CAS Number
74-85-1
Molecular Weight
28.05
Category
Organic Compounds
Index
All "E" terms
Synonyms
ethene; Ethene; Acetene; Elayl; Olefiant gas; 74-85-1; Athylen; Etileno; Liquid ethylene; Bicarburretted hydrogen
Frequently Asked Questions
Ethene is a gas molecular entity and an alkene. It has a role as a plant hormone and a refrigerant.
Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.
Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.
The formula or notation for Ethylene is: C2H4
More "E" Terms
1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide
C8H18ClN3
2-Ethoxyethanol
C4H10O2
Effective Collisions
Effective Collisions
E ≥ Ea (activation energy required)
Effective Molality
m_eff = i × m (van't Hoff factor)
Effective Nuclear Charge
Z_eff = Z − σ (Slater's rules)
Efflorescence
Hydrated salt losing water in air: M·nH₂O(s) → M·(n-x)H₂O(s) + xH₂O(g)
Einsteinium
Es
Electrical Conductivity
κ = 1/ρ; Λm = κ/c
Electrochemical Cell
Galvanic cell: ΔG = −nFE_cell; Electrolytic cell: ΔG = +nFE_applied
Electrochemical Series
Arranged by E° (standard reduction potential); SHE: E° = 0.00 V
Electrochemistry
E° cell = E° cathode − E° anode | ΔG° = −nFE°
View all "E" terms →
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature,
CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.