Ethene vs. Ethyne: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Published on November 29, 2023
Ethene (C2H4) is an alkene with a double bond, while ethyne (C2H2) is an alkyne with a triple bond.
Key Differences
Ethene and ethyne are both hydrocarbons, compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Ethene, also known as ethylene, is an alkene, characterized by a carbon-carbon double bond in its molecular structure. This double bond imparts certain chemical properties to ethene, making it reactive and a key intermediate in organic synthesis and the petrochemical industry.
In contrast, ethyne, commonly referred to as acetylene, belongs to the alkyne category, distinguished by its carbon-carbon triple bond. This triple bond makes ethyne even more reactive than ethene. As a result, ethyne is often utilized in chemical synthesis and as a fuel in oxyacetylene welding and metal cutting.
While both ethene and ethyne are unsaturated hydrocarbons (meaning they contain fewer hydrogens than corresponding alkanes), they differ in the degree of their unsaturation. Ethene has one double bond, while ethyne has a more unsaturated triple bond. This level of unsaturation has implications for their chemical reactivity and uses.
In terms of physical properties, ethene is a colorless gas with a faintly sweet odor and is a naturally occurring plant hormone responsible for fruit ripening. Ethyne, on the other hand, has a distinct odor and is often recognized for its role in producing a high-temperature flame when burned with oxygen.
Although both are crucial in various industries, it's vital to differentiate them due to their distinct structural differences and subsequent chemical behaviors. For instance, while ethene is used in polymer production, like polyethylene, ethyne is essential for high-temperature applications, such as welding.
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Comparison Chart
Molecular Formula
C2H4
C2H2
Type of Hydrocarbon
Alkene
Alkyne
Bonding
Contains a carbon-carbon double bond.
Contains a carbon-carbon triple bond.
Common Name
Ethylene
Acetylene
Primary Uses
Organic synthesis, polymer production.
Chemical synthesis, oxyacetylene welding, metal cutting.
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Ethene and Ethyne Definitions
Ethene
An unsaturated molecule with the formula C2H4.
Ethene is often polymerized to produce polyethylene.
Ethyne
A hydrocarbon with a triple bond.
Ethyne produces a hot flame when burned with oxygen.
Ethene
Also known as ethylene.
Ethene plays a role in plant ripening processes.
Ethyne
A molecule used in organic synthesis.
Ethyne can be utilized as a building block in various chemical reactions.
Ethene
A colorless and flammable gas.
Ethene has a slightly sweet odor when concentrated.
Ethyne
A colorless and highly flammable gas.
Ethyne has a distinct odor and is often used in welding.
Ethene
A hydrocarbon with a double bond.
Ethene is an important industrial chemical.
Ethyne
An unsaturated molecule with the formula C2H2.
Ethyne is less saturated than ethene due to its triple bond.
Ethene
See ethylene.
Ethyne
Also known as acetylene.
Ethyne tanks are common in welding shops.
Ethene
The organic chemical compound ethylene. The simplest alkene, a colorless gaseous (at room temperature and pressure) hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H4
Ethyne
See acetylene.
Ethene
(organic chemistry) Any alkene derived from ethylene
Ethyne
The organic compound acetylene. The simplest alkyne, a colorless gaseous (at room temperature and pressure) hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H2.
Ethene
Ethylene; olefiant gas.
Ethyne
A colorless flammable gas used chiefly in welding and in organic synthesis
Ethene
A flammable colorless gaseous alkene; obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals; sometimes used as an anesthetic
Ethene
A key compound in the petrochemical industry.
Ethene is converted into various chemicals, including ethanol and vinyl acetate.
FAQs
What is the structure of ethene?
Ethene consists of two carbon atoms double-bonded to each other, with each carbon also bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
What are the uses of ethene?
Ethene is primarily used as a monomer in the production of polyethylene, a common plastic.
Is ethene polar or non-polar?
Ethene is non-polar.
What is ethene?
Ethene is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H4, also known as ethylene.
Is ethene a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon?
Ethene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon due to the presence of a double bond.
What is the structure of ethyne?
Ethyne consists of two carbon atoms triple-bonded to each other, with each carbon also bonded to a single hydrogen atom.
Is ethyne gaseous at room temperature?
Yes, ethyne is a colorless gas at room temperature.
Can ethyne undergo addition reactions?
Yes, due to its triple bond, ethyne can undergo addition reactions.
Is ethyne polar or non-polar?
Ethyne is non-polar.
How is ethene produced?
Ethene is commonly produced through the steam cracking of hydrocarbons from petroleum.
How is ethene named under IUPAC nomenclature?
Under IUPAC nomenclature, ethene is named as ethene itself, but it's also commonly called ethylene.
What is ethyne?
Ethyne is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H2, also known as acetylene.
How is ethyne produced?
Ethyne is produced by the reaction of calcium carbide with water.
How does ethene act in plant physiology?
Ethene acts as a plant hormone, playing roles in fruit ripening, flower wilting, and other processes.
Is ethyne used in organic synthesis?
Yes, ethyne is used as a building block in organic synthesis.
How is ethyne named under IUPAC nomenclature?
Under IUPAC nomenclature, ethyne is named as ethyne, but it's more commonly known as acetylene.
Can ethene undergo addition reactions?
Yes, due to its double bond, ethene can undergo addition reactions.
Is ethyne a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon?
Ethyne is an unsaturated hydrocarbon due to the presence of a triple bond.
What are the uses of ethyne?
Ethyne is widely used in welding and cutting metals due to its high flame temperature when burned in oxygen.
Is ethene gaseous at room temperature?
Yes, ethene is a colorless gas at room temperature.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
