Ethylene (C₂H₄)

Overview

Ethylene is a colorless, flammable hydrocarbon gas with a faintly sweet odor. It is a natural plant hormone that triggers ripening, which makes it the standard gas for controlled ripening rooms, and it is also used as a building block in chemical and polymer research.

Key Characteristics

• Colorless gas with a faintly sweet odor
• Highly flammable, handled away from ignition sources
• Density similar to air
• Acts as a natural plant ripening hormone at very low concentrations

Common Applications

• Controlled ripening of bananas, mangoes, avocados and other fruit
• Chemical and polymer research laboratories
• Plant physiology and agricultural research
• Component in calibration and specialty gas mixtures

Available Supply Formats