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Which products can be made from ethylene?

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structures of common hydrocarbon compounds — hydrocarbon Structures assumed by hydrogen (H) and carbon (C) molecules in four common hydrocarbon compounds.

Ethylene is a versatile industrial chemical used primarily as a monomer for polymerization and as a starting material for various two-carbon compounds.1

Products Derived from Ethylene

Polyethylene: Through polymerization, ethylene is converted into polyethylene, the world's most widely used plastic. Variants include low-density (LDPE), linear low-density (LLDPE), high-density (HDPE), and ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene, used in products ranging from packaging films and squeeze bottles to bulletproof vests and milk jugs.12
Chemical Intermediates: Ethylene serves as a precursor for several essential compounds:
- Ethanol: Used as an industrial solvent and chemical reagent.13
- Ethylene oxide: Converted into ethylene glycol for use in antifreeze, polyester fibers, and films.13
- Acetaldehyde: Primarily converted into acetic acid.1
- Vinyl chloride: Used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for plastics and fibers.13
Styrene: Ethylene reacts with benzene to form ethylbenzene, which is then dehydrogenated to produce styrene. This is a key ingredient in the production of plastics, synthetic rubber, and polyesters.13
Copolymers: Ethylene can be copolymerized with substances like vinyl acetate or propylene to create specialized materials such as adhesives, tubing, and high-performance coatings.2