A gaseous organic compound which is also known as simplest alkene is known as ethylene. Ethylene contains a carbon double bond due to which it is called as unsaturated hydrocarbon as it is widely used in the industry and also is a part of hormone it is the most produced organic compound in the world. For the production of ethylene following processes take place which are oxidation, halogenations and hydro halogenations, alkylation, oxo reactions etc. Ethylene is used for various applications like in an anesthetic agent and also is used for fruit ripening as well as wielding gas. In scientific term ethylene can be used for heating absolute ethanol with concentrated sulfuric acid as it proves to be a useful compound as it is rarely used in organic synthesis in the laboratory.The different forms of ethylene are ethylene polymers which are used in the production of various packaging materials as it has good resistance to alcohols, oils grease and dilute acids and alkalis. One of the most important feature of this ethylene is it has moderate to good barrier properties to oxygen and carbon dioxide making it suitable for food packaging. The forms include ethylene vinyl acetate which is known as foam rubber as it very much flexible, elastic, transparent and has high friction of co efficient. Ethylene is produced in all higher plants which are produced from methionine which are essential for all tissues, and also the production of ethylene varies with the type of tissues.
Few functions of ethylene are that it stimulates the release of dormancy, has a role in adventitious root formation, and also helps in the stimulation for flower opening and also in the fruit ripening. Growth inhibition and aging are the two main factors which ethylene holds more often. Ethylene is considered to be a byproduct of kerosene combustion allowing fruits to ripen in sheds. Ethylene also allows diffusing through air spaces between the cells and sometimes ethylene also is induced by high concentration of auxin.
