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Ethylene (C2H4)

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Ethylene

Formula: C2H4, R-1150

CAS No: 74-85-1

Ethylene (C2H4) is a flammable, colorless gas with a faint sweet odor. It is one of the most important building blocks in the chemical industry, serving as the starting material for a wide range of organic compounds and synthetic polymers. Ethylene is the primary feedstock for polyethylene — the world’s most widely used plastic — found in packaging, consumer products, automotive parts, and piping.

Ethylene is also oxidized to produce ethylene oxide, a versatile intermediate used in medical sterilization and in the manufacture of antifreeze and detergents. In semiconductor manufacturing, ethylene is used to deposit polyethylene protective layers and to replenish carbon in dielectric layers that may be damaged during etch processes.

Applications include:

  • Production of polyethylene for packaging, consumer products, automotive parts, and piping.

  • Manufacture of ethylene oxide for medical sterilization, antifreeze, and detergents.

  • Refrigerant for LNG liquefaction and other cooling applications.

  • Deposition of polyethylene layers in semiconductor device manufacturing.

  • Carbon replenishment in dielectric layers during semiconductor processing.

EFC Gases & Advanced Materials supplies high-purity ethylene to meet the rigorous demands of chemical, refrigeration, and semiconductor industries. Our advanced analytical verification, specialized packaging, and controlled logistics ensure product integrity from production to point-of-use.

Applications
Specifications
Further Specifications
Cylinder Sizes
  • Produce polyethylene for packaging, consumer products, and industrial parts.
  • Manufacture ethylene oxide for sterilization, antifreeze, and detergents.
  • Cool in LNG liquefaction and refrigeration systems.
  • Deposit polyethylene protective layers in semiconductors.
  • Replenish carbon in dielectric layers during chip processing.
Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 4.5 Grade 5 Grade 5.5
Purity 99.9% 99.99% 99.995% 99.999% 99.9995%
Nitrogen < 100 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 1 ppmv
Oxygen < 20 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 1 ppmv
Carbon Dioxide < 10 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 1 ppmv
Carbon Monoxide < 3 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 1 ppmv
Other Hydrocarbons < 800 ppmv < 80 ppmv < 40 ppmv < 8 ppmv < 4 ppmv
Acetylene < 8 ppmv < 4 ppmv < 4 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 1 ppmv
Moisture < 5 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 3 ppmv < 1 ppmv
Total Impurities < 1000 ppmv < 100 ppmv < 50 ppmv < 10 ppmv < 5 ppmv
Technical Data
Mol. Wt: 28.054
Sp. Volume 13.8 cu. ft/lb
Flammability Limits 2.7 - 36 % in Air
Valve Outlet: CGA 250 LB CGA 170
Shipping Information
DOT Name: Ethylene, Compressed
Hazard Class 2.1
DOT No.: UN 1962
DOT Label Flammable Gas
CAS No.: 74-85-1
Cylinder Size Fill Weight (lb)
49L/Size 300 37
44L/Size 200 30
16L/Size 80 11
7L/Size 35 4

Moisture level guaranteed only when EFC Gases & Advanced Materials prepares the cylinders. All concentrations are on a mol/mol basis unless otherwise stated. Product sold on the basis of total impurities. Individual impurities may vary slightly.