Industrial Chemistry 1 - Chapter 3: Ethylene

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the chemical formula of ethylene?

C2H6

C4H10

C3H8

C2H4 (correct)

Ethylene is a solid at standard conditions.

False

List one major product derived from ethylene.

Ethylene glycol

Ethylene has a ______ odor in its pure form.

sweet and musky Signup and view all the answers

Match the following properties of ethylene with their descriptions:

Molecular weight = 28.05 g/mol Density = 1.178 kg/m3 Melting point = −169.2 °C Boiling point = −103.7 °C Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method to produce ethylene oxide?

Controlled oxidation of ethylene Signup and view all the answers

Ethylene is considered a primary source for polymers such as polyethylene.

True Signup and view all the answers

What type of catalyst is used in the production of ethylene oxide?

Silver catalyst Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary product of ethylene oxidation in the Wacker Process?

Acetaldehyde Signup and view all the answers

The Wacker Process operates at a temperature around 500 °C.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of reaction occurs during the formation of acetaldehyde in the Wacker Process?

Redox reaction Signup and view all the answers

The Wacker Process uses a catalyst system consisting of palladium(II) chloride and __________.

copper(II) chloride Signup and view all the answers

Match the following production techniques with their corresponding temperatures:

Old Technique = 250 °C Silver-catalyzed oxidation = 500 °C Dehydrogenation = 250 °C Wacker Process = 130 °C Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following compounds is NOT a direct use of acetaldehyde?

Intermediate for synthetic ethanol Signup and view all the answers

Ethylene oxidation occurs at temperatures between 200–300 °C with a short residence time.

True Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Pd2+ ions during the Wacker Process?

They are reduced to Pd metal. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Industrial Chemistry 1 - Chapter 3: Chemicals Based on Ethylene

Ethylene is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₂H₄.
Ethylene has a simple structure, is highly reactive, and is relatively inexpensive.
In its pure form, ethylene is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet, musky odor.
Ethylene is a raw material for various chemicals and polymers, including ethanol and polyethylene.
Ethylene is easily produced from any hydrocarbon source using steam-cracking.
Ethylene's molecular weight is 28.05 g/mol.
The density of ethylene gas is 1.178 kg/m³ at 15°C.
At standard conditions, ethylene's melting point is -169.2°C (104.0 K) and its boiling point is -103.7°C (169.5 K).

Major Chemicals and Polymers Produced from Ethylene

Ethylene is a precursor for many important commercial chemicals including ethylene glycol, ethanolamines, and polyesters.
Key chemical reactions include hydrolysis, oxidation/carbonylation, and Wacker catalyst-based reactions. These produce various products like ethanol, acrylic acid, vinyl acetate, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, ethylene oxide, ethoxylates, polyethylene, polystyrenes, vinyl chloride, propionaldehyde, and n-propanol.

Ethylene Oxide: Introduction and Production

Ethylene oxide is a key product derived from ethylene, with widespread use as a precursor for other chemicals and polymers.
The production process involves the controlled oxidation of ethylene using a silver catalyst (with either oxygen or air).
The oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide is an exothermic reaction with a ΔH value of -147 kJ/mol.
The reaction between ethylene and oxygen yields carbon dioxide and water with ΔH value of -1,421 kJ/mol.

Acetaldehyde: Introduction and Production

Acetaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor.
Acetaldehyde’s primary use is in the synthesis of other compounds, and not for direct use. It is a raw material to produce acetic acid.
Two methods are used to create acetaldehyde: old technique (using silver-catalyzed oxidation or chromium activated copper) and the new technique (using a homogeneous catalyst like Wacker catalyst and reaction temperature of 130 °C). The old method utilizes oxidation of ethanol while the newer technique employs ethylene.
The acetaldehyde production is via redox reactions and is exothermic, with ΔH = -218.6 kJ/mol.
The Wacker process for acetaldehyde production uses an aqueous solution of palladium(II) chloride and copper(II) chloride as a catalyst system.
Pd²⁺ ions are reduced to Pd metal during the reaction, while ethylene gets oxidized into acetaldehyde. Pd° is re-oxidized by Cu(II) ions, which are reduced to Cu(I) ions and recycled; the overall reaction being exothermic.
Acetaldehyde production can happen either in a single or two-stage process.
The yield of acetaldehyde from either process is approximately 95%.
By-products include acetic acid, ethyl chloride, chloroacetaldehyde, and carbon dioxide.

Conclusion

Ethylene is a crucial raw material for various chemicals and polymers.
Ethylene is often referred to as the "king of petrochemicals" due to its wide-ranging importance.
Constant improvements are desired in ethylene production to bolster production of other petrochemicals to enhance the industry's commercial viability.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the properties and significance of ethylene in industrial chemistry. This quiz covers its molecular structure, production methods, and key chemicals derived from ethylene, such as ethanol and polyethylene. Get ready to deepen your understanding of this foundational hydrocarbon!