Ethylene

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɛθəˌliːn/

Origin

From ethyl + -ene.

Full definition of ethylene

Noun

1. (organic compound) The common name for the organic chemical compound ethene. The simplest alkene, a colorless gaseous (at room temperature and pressure) hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₂H₄.
2. (organic chemistry) The divalent radical derived from ethane.

Synonyms

• IUPAC name: ethene

Derived terms

• ethylene glycol
• ethylene oxide
• ethylene-vinyl acetate
• polyethylene
• polyethylene terephthalate (ester)