OLEFIN Meaning and
Definition
-
An olefin, also known as an alkene, is a class of unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds characterized by having at least one carbon-carbon double bond in their chemical structure. Olefins are classified as simple hydrocarbons, composed solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are named such due to their propensity to react with strong oxidizing agents to form alcohols.
Olefins are highly versatile compounds and have a wide range of industrial applications. They serve as fundamental building blocks for the production of larger molecules, such as plastics, solvents, and synthetic fibers. Their double bond makes them more reactive than their saturated counterparts, allowing for various chemical manipulations like polymerization, hydrogenation, and addition reactions.
These compounds are composed of carbon chains that can vary in length and branching, resulting in a diverse range of olefin structures. Common examples of olefins include ethylene (C2H4), propylene (C3H6), and butene (C4H8). Olefins can be obtained through various methods, such as steam cracking of petroleum hydrocarbons or from natural gas fractions.
Olefins play a significant role in the global chemical industry, as they form the basis for the synthesis of numerous products essential to everyday life. Their high reactivity and versatility make them a valuable component in the creation of a vast array of consumer goods and industrial materials.
-
Any one of a group of hydrocarbons, homologous with ethylene, having twice as many hydrogen atoms as carbon atoms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OLEFIN
- ilefin
- klefin
- llefin
- plefin
- 0lefin
- 9lefin
- okefin
- opefin
- ooefin
- olwfin
- olsfin
- oldfin
- olrfin
- ol4fin
- ol3fin
- oledin
- olecin
- olevin
- oletin
Etymology of OLEFIN
The word "olefin" has its roots in the Latin language. It is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "oleum" meaning "oil" and "finis" meaning "end" or "limit". The term was originally used to describe a group of unsaturated hydrocarbons that were obtained from the end products of oil refining processes. Over time, the term "olefin" became synonymous with the chemical class of unsaturated hydrocarbons, which are characterized by having a double bond between carbon atoms.
Similar spelling words for OLEFIN
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
