What are the uses of alkenes in industry?

Alkenes are used in industry for making plastics, synthetic rubber, and detergents, and as intermediates in chemical synthesis.

Alkenes, also known as olefins, are hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon double bond. They are unsaturated, meaning they have the capacity to react with other substances, making them very useful in industrial applications. One of the most common uses of alkenes is in the production of plastics. Polyethylene, for example, is made from the alkene ethene. This plastic is widely used in packaging, bottles, and other everyday items.

Another major use of alkenes is in the production of synthetic rubber. The alkene butadiene is polymerised to produce a type of rubber that has similar properties to natural rubber but can be produced more cheaply and in larger quantities. This synthetic rubber is used in a wide range of products, from tyres to gloves to adhesives.

Alkenes are also used in the production of detergents. The alkene propene is used to make linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, a key ingredient in many laundry and dishwashing detergents. This compound is preferred over others because it is biodegradable and does not contribute to the formation of foam in rivers and lakes.

In addition to these applications, alkenes are used as intermediates in many chemical synthesis processes. For example, the alkene ethene is used to make ethanol, a key ingredient in alcoholic beverages, and ethylene glycol, which is used in antifreeze. The alkene propene is used to make propylene oxide, which is used in the production of polyurethane foams. These are just a few examples of the many ways in which alkenes are used in industry.