Ethylene Molecule in 3D: C₂H₄ Structure and Facts
Ethylene, also called ethene, is two carbon atoms joined by a double bond, each with two hydrogens. It is the starting point for polythene, the world's most common plastic. In Molecule Studio you can spin the ethylene molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.
Explore in 3DEthylene quick facts
| Chemical formula | C₂H₄ |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 28.05 g/mol |
| Atoms in one molecule | 6 |
| Shape | Flat (trigonal planar), with angles of about 120 degrees |
| Group | Fuels |
What is ethylene used for?
- Making polythene plastic
- Ripening fruit
- Making antifreeze and other chemicals
Interesting facts about ethylene
- All six atoms lie in one flat plane.
- The double bond stops the molecule from twisting.
- Plants make ethylene as a hormone to ripen fruit.
- Joining many ethylene molecules makes polyethylene.
What you can do in 3D
Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.
More fuels molecules
Ethylene questions
What is the formula of ethylene?
C2H4: two carbon atoms joined by a double bond, with four hydrogen atoms.
Is ethylene the same as ethene?
Yes. Ethene is its official name and ethylene is its common name.
Why does ethylene ripen fruit?
Plants use it as a hormone that switches on ripening.
What plastic is made from ethylene?
Polyethylene, also called polythene.
Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.