Ethylene vs. Ethylidene — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Published on August 22, 2024
Ethylene, a simple alkene with the formula C2H4, is crucial in the chemical industry, whereas ethylidene, often represented as part of compounds like ethylidene dichloride, showcases a distinct structural form with a C=C double bond.
Difference Between Ethylene and Ethylidene
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ethylene (C2H4) is a colorless gas widely used as a precursor in the production of plastics and other chemicals. It features a double bond between two carbon atoms, making it an alkene. Ethylidene, on the other hand, refers to a structural motif within certain organic compounds, characterized by its specific carbon-to-carbon single bond arrangement, distinguishing it from ethylene's double bond structure.
Ethylene acts as a fundamental building block in the petrochemical industry, used in the synthesis of polyethylene and other vital polymers, whereas ethylidene structures are less common and typically found in specialized chemical contexts, such as in ethylidene dichloride (1,1-dichloroethane), indicating their more niche applications.
The production of ethylene is primarily through steam cracking of hydrocarbons, showcasing its industrial significance and scalability. Ethylidene compounds, due to their specific structural characteristics, are synthesized through different chemical reactions, highlighting the distinct pathways and applications of these two entities.
Ethylene's role in plant physiology, acting as a hormone that influences growth and fruit ripening, underscores its biological importance. Ethylidene compounds do not share this biological activity, further differentiating the two in terms of natural occurrence and function.
The environmental impact of ethylene, especially when considering its role in ozone formation at ground level, contrasts with the more specific safety and environmental concerns related to ethylidene compounds, such as ethylidene dichloride's toxicity and role as a potential carcinogen.
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Comparison Chart
Formula/Structure
C2H4, with a C=C double bond
Part of compounds with C-C single bond
Common Uses
Precursor for plastics, alcohol, and solvents
Found in specific chemicals like ethylidene dichloride
Production Method
Steam cracking of hydrocarbons
Chemical synthesis involving specific reactions
Biological Role
Plant hormone affecting growth and fruit ripening
No significant biological activity
Environmental Impact
Contributes to ozone formation at ground level
Associated with toxicity and potential carcinogenicity
Compare with Definitions
Ethylene
It acts as a plant hormone.
Ethylene promotes fruit ripening in tomatoes.
Ethylidene
Ethylidene refers to a carbon structure in organic chemistry.
Ethylidene dichloride is used as a solvent.
Ethylene
Ethylene is produced by steam cracking.
Ethylene production is a major industrial process.
Ethylidene
It does not have a widespread application like ethylene.
Ethylidene's presence is more niche in the chemical industry.
Ethylene
It is flammable and has a sweet odor.
Ethylene is detectable by its faintly sweet smell.
Ethylidene
Ethylidene can indicate a particular isomer.
Ethylidene norbornene is used in rubber synthesis.
Ethylene
Ethylene participates in numerous chemical reactions.
Ethylene is a key reagent in the production of ethanol.
Ethylidene
Ethylidene structures are less common in nature.
Ethylidene linkage is not as prevalent in biological systems.
Ethylene
Ethylene is a colorless gas used in chemical synthesis.
Ethylene is essential for producing polyethylene.
Ethylidene
It is part of specific chemical names.
Ethylidene compounds are studied in organic synthesis.
Ethylene
A colorless flammable gas, C2H4, derived from natural gas and petroleum and also occurring as a natural plant hormone, used as a source of many organic compounds, in welding and cutting metals, to ripen citrus fruits, and as an anesthetic. Also called ethene.
Ethylidene
The divalent radical CH3-CH= formally obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from the same carbon atom of ethane
Ethylene
(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.
Ethylidene
An unsymmetrical, divalent, hydrocarbon radical, C2H4 metameric with ethylene but written thus, CH3.CH= to distinguish it from the symmetrical ethylene, CH2=CH2. Its compounds are derived from aldehyde. Formerly called also ethidene.
Ethylene
(organic chemistry) The divalent radical derived from ethane.
Ethylene
A colorless, gaseous hydrocarbon, C2H4, forming an important ingredient of illuminating gas, and also obtained by the action of concentrated sulphuric acid in alcohol. It is an unsaturated compound and combines directly with chlorine and bromine to form oily liquids (Dutch liquid), - hence called olefiant gas. Called also ethene, elayl, and formerly, bicarbureted hydrogen.
Ethylene
A flammable colorless gaseous alkene; obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals; sometimes used as an anesthetic
Common Curiosities
Can ethylene affect plants?
Yes, ethylene acts as a plant hormone that promotes growth and ripening.
Is ethylene environmentally friendly?
Ethylene contributes to ground-level ozone, posing environmental concerns.
How are ethylidene compounds used?
They are used in specialized chemical applications, such as solvents and intermediates.
Are ethylidene compounds toxic?
Some ethylidene compounds, like ethylidene dichloride, are toxic and potentially carcinogenic.
How is ethylene produced?
Ethylene is produced industrially by steam cracking of hydrocarbons.
Is ethylene dangerous?
Ethylene is flammable and can be a health hazard at high concentrations.
How is ethylidene produced?
Ethylidene compounds are synthesized through specific chemical reactions, differing from ethylene production.
What is ethylene used for?
Ethylene is used in the production of plastics, solvents, and as a plant hormone.
What are ethylidene compounds?
Ethylidene compounds contain a specific carbon structure, used in certain chemical syntheses.
Is ethylidene naturally occurring?
Ethylidene structures are less common in nature compared to ethylene.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
