Uses of Alkenes

Alkenes have many industrial applications, serving as starting materials for the synthesis of alcohols, plastics, detergents and fuels. Ethene, in particular, is the most important organic feedstock of the polymer industry -- it is converted to PVC, Sarans and polyethylene, which are in turn used to manufacture floor tiles, shoe soles, synthetic fibres, raincoats, pipes and more. Controlled hydration of ethene gives ethanol, and its oxidation gives ethylene glycol (used as an automobile antifreeze) and ethylene oxide (a precursor for detergents and solvents). Propene is polymerised to polypropylene (used for ropes, packaging and textiles) and oxidised to acetone and isopropanol. Higher alkenes are used to manufacture linear alkylbenzene sulphonate detergents and, via oligomerisation, synthetic lubricating oils and h …