Question

Discuss two different processes used to product ethylene, an industrially-important monomer. Include a comparison of the relative environmental impacts of the two processes.

Answer 1

1) Ethylene is produced by steam cracking in petrochemical process. Steam cracking is a process that converts long chain hydrocarbons to small hydrocarbons.

2) The second process is a laboratory process in which ethyne can be prepared by using dehydration of ethylalcohol

The first process is a Industrial process and hence it is having some environmental impacts as we are using high enery steam.

The second method is a lab method but its not used for bulk production.