Ethene
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Ethene is a gaseous (at room temperature) hydrocarbon with chemical formula C2H4.
About Ethene
- Ethene is hydrocarbon because it contains only Hydrogen and Carbon atoms.
- Ethene can be oxidised to produce Carbon Dioxide and Water.
- Ethene + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Ethene is a gaseous (STP) alkene with chemical formula C2H4.
About Ethene
| Chemical Formula (CnH2n) | Structural Formula | Structural Diagram | Ball and Stick Model |
| C2H4 | CH2CH2 |  |
 |
- Ethene is hydrocarbon because it contains only Hydrogen and Carbon atoms.
- Ethene has a double bond between the two Carbon atoms.
- Ethene is described as 'unsaturated' due to the double bond as it is not completely 'saturated' by Hydrogen atoms like Ethane.
- Ethene can be oxidised to produce Carbon Dioxide and Water.
- Ethene + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water
\(C_2H_4 + 3O_2 → 2CO_2 + 2H_2O\)
Ethene as a Plant Hormone
- The ripening of fruit is controlled by ethene.
- Ethene also affects the rate of cell division.
Using Ethene as a Plant Hormone
- To make fruit last longer they are harvested before they are ripe. When the farmer wants to sell them they put ethene gas in their container causing them to ripen.