Polyethylene

(C₂H₄)ₙ

IUPAC: Polyethene

CAS: 9002-88-4

Overview

Polyethylene is the most widely produced plastic in the world, with annual production exceeding 100 million tonnes. It comes in several varieties (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) with different densities and properties. It is used in packaging, bottles, pipes, and films.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 4 1.0080
Carbon C 2 12.0110

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×4
14.4%
C
Carbon ×2
85.6%

Uses

  • • Plastic bags and films (LDPE)
  • • Bottles and containers (HDPE)
  • • Pipes and fittings
  • • Packaging materials

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Accidentally discovered in 1933 by ICI researchers applying high pressure to ethylene
  • ✦ Takes 500-1000 years to decompose in landfills

Safety

  • ⚠ Generally non-toxic
  • ⚠ Environmental pollution from single-use plastics
  • ⚠ Microplastic contamination

Properties

Type
polymer
State
solid
Molar Mass
28.05 g/mol
Density
0.9400 g/cm³
Melting Point
115.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Also Known As

Polythene PE

Related Compounds

Cellulose

(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Epoxy Resin DGEBA

C₂₁H₂₄O₄

Kevlar

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nomex

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nylon-6,6

(C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ

Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin

(C₇H₆O₂)ₙ

Polyacrylonitrile

(C₃H₃N)ₙ

Polycarbonate

(C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ

Polyethylene Terephthalate

(C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ

Polyhydroxybutyrate

(C₄H₆O₂)ₙ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polyethylene?
Polyethylene ((C₂H₄)ₙ) is a polymer compound with the IUPAC name Polyethene.
What is the molecular weight of Polyethylene?
Polyethylene has a molar mass of 28.054 g/mol.
What state is Polyethylene at room temperature?
Polyethylene is a solid at room temperature.
Is Polyethylene organic or inorganic?
Polyethylene is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Polyethylene?
Polyethylene ((C₂H₄)ₙ) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C).