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The production of ethylene, a key raw material in the chemical industry, has evolved significantly over the years.
There are several methods for producing ethylene, and the choice of the route depends on various factors, such as the desired product quality, the availability of raw materials, and the cost of production.
In this article, we will discuss the synthetic routes of ethylene, with a focus on the homopolymer and chlorinated routes.
Homopolymer Route
The homopolymer route is the most common method used for producing ethylene.
It involves the thermal cracking of hydrocarbons, such as ethane or propane, in the presence of a catalyst.
The process typically involves the following steps:
- The feedstock, such as ethane or propane, is heated to a high temperature, typically around 600-800°C, in the presence of a catalyst, such as silica gel or alumina.
- The heat causes the hydrocarbons to crack into smaller molecules, including ethylene and other byproducts.
- The ethylene is separated from the other byproducts using techniques such as distillation or absorption.
The homopolymer route is a relatively simple and economic method for producing ethylene.
The process can be carried out at relatively low pressures and temperatures, which makes it easier to control and operate.
The main disadvantage of the homopolymer route is the presence of other byproducts, such as propylene and butylene, which must be separated from the ethylene.
Chlorinated Route
The chlorinated route is another method for producing ethylene.
It involves the chlorination of ethylene in the presence of a catalyst, such as aluminum chloride or ferric chloride.
The process typically involves the following steps:
- Ethylene is chlorinated using chlorine gas or hydrogen chloride gas to form chloroethylene.
- The chloroethylene is then passed through a catalyst bed, typically made of aluminum chloride or ferric chloride, to remove the hydrogen chloride and form ethylene dichloride.
- Ethylene dichloride is then hydrolyzed to form ethylene in the presence of water and a catalyst, such as sodium hydroxide.
The chlorinated route is a more complex and expensive method for producing ethylene compared to the homopolymer route.
The process requires higher temperatures and pressures and involves the use of hazardous chemicals, such as chlorine gas.
However, the chlorinated route has the advantage of producing a higher purity of ethylene than the homopolymer route.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Homopolymer Route
The homopolymer route has several advantages and disadvantages.
One of the main advantages is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
The process is relatively easy to operate and can be carried out at relatively low temperatures and pressures.
Additionally, the process can use a wide range of feedstocks, including ethane, propane, and butane, which makes it versatile.
One of the main disadvantages of the homopolymer route is the presence of other byproducts, such as propylene and butylene, which must be separated from the ethylene.
This can be a costly and energy-intensive process.
Additionally, the presence of these byproducts can affect the quality of the final product.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Chlorinated Route
The chlorinated route has several advantages and disadvantages.
One of the main advantages is the high purity of ethylene that can be produced.
The process can produce ethylene with a purity of up to 99.
99%, which is essential for the production of certain downstream products, such as polyethylene film.
One of the main dis