Biethylene
[CAS# 106-99-0]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives >> Acyclic hydrocarbon
• Name: Biethylene
• Synonyms: 1,3-Butadiene; Bivinyl; Butadiene; Butadiene-1,3; Divinyl; Erythrene; Vinylethylene
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₆
• Molecular Weight: 54.09
• CAS Registry Number: 106-99-0
• EC Number: 203-450-8
• SMILES: C=CC=C

Properties

• Solubility: insoluble (Expl.)
• Density: 0.62 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: -109 °C (Expl.)
• Boiling point: -4,5 °C (Expl.)
• Refractive index: 1.4292 (Expl.)
• Flash point: -75 °C (Expl.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS04;GHS08 Danger
• Risk Statements: H220-H280-H340-H350-H350-H361-H412
• Safety Statements: P203-P210-P222-P273-P280-P318-P377-P381-P403-P405-P410+P403-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	1A	H350
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	1B	H340
Flammable gases	Flam. Gas	1	H220
Gases under pressure (liquid)	Press. Gas (Liq.)		H280
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Gases under pressure (compressed)	Press. Gas (Comp.)		H280
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	1A	H340

• Transport Information: UN 1010

Discovery and Applications

Biethylene is a chemical compound known for its use in various industrial applications. The term "biethylene" generally refers to a material derived from bio-based feedstocks, typically used as a more sustainable alternative to conventional ethylene produced from fossil fuels. Ethylene, a two-carbon compound (C2H4), is a fundamental building block in the chemical industry, used primarily for the production of polyethylene, one of the most widely produced plastics in the world.

Biethylene, specifically, refers to ethylene that is derived from renewable biomass sources rather than petroleum-based resources. The concept of biethylene arose in response to growing environmental concerns and the need for more sustainable manufacturing practices in the chemical industry. The production of biethylene involves processes such as fermentation or pyrolysis, which convert biomass (such as plant sugars or oils) into ethylene. This contrasts with traditional ethylene production, which relies on fossil fuels, specifically natural gas or petroleum.

The discovery and development of biethylene are part of the broader movement toward bio-based chemicals and sustainable manufacturing practices. The shift towards bioethanol and bioplastics has driven innovations in how key industrial chemicals are sourced, with biethylene offering an environmentally friendly alternative to its petroleum-based counterpart. Biethylene, like its petrochemical counterpart, can be polymerized to produce polyethylene, but with a lower carbon footprint due to the renewable nature of its source.

In terms of application, biethylene is used in the production of bioplastics, particularly bio-based polyethylene. This material is used in various industries, including packaging, agriculture, automotive, and consumer goods. The use of biethylene in polyethylene production contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as the carbon dioxide released during the combustion of bio-based polyethylene is offset by the carbon absorbed by the plants used to produce the biomass. This makes biethylene an important component in the growing market for renewable plastics, which are increasingly demanded by environmentally conscious consumers and regulatory bodies aiming to reduce plastic waste and its impact on the environment.

Additionally, biethylene can be utilized in the production of other chemicals and materials, much like petrochemical-derived ethylene. It is employed in the synthesis of a variety of products such as detergents, solvents, and antifreeze, as well as in the manufacture of polyethylene-based materials for packaging and textiles.

In conclusion, biethylene represents an important development in the field of green chemistry, offering a renewable and sustainable alternative to conventional ethylene produced from fossil fuels. Its application in the production of bio-based polyethylene and other chemicals is a significant step toward reducing the environmental impact of plastic and chemical production. The ongoing research into improving the efficiency and scalability of biethylene production processes promises to further enhance its role in the chemical industry and in the global shift toward sustainable manufacturing.

References

2007. Alkyne as a Spectator Ligand for the Nickel-Catalyzed Multicomponent Connection Reaction of Diphenylzinc, 1,3-Butadiene, Aldehydes, and Amines. Organic Letters, 9(9), 1749-1752.
DOI: 10.1021/ol0703480

2005. Hydrogenated 1,4-Insertion of Butadiene in the Copolymerization with Propylene Using an Isospecific Zirconocene Catalyst. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 127(13), 4582-4583.
DOI: 10.1021/ja050987a

2005. The Three Corrugated Surfaces of 1,4-Divinyltetramethylene Diradical Intermediates and Their Connections to 1,2-Divinylcyclobutane, 4-Vinylcyclohexene, 1,5-Cyclooctadiene, and Two Butadienes. The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 70(6), 2091-2100.
DOI: 10.1021/jo0501947