Propylene

Propylene (C₃H₆) is a colourless fuel gas with a naturally pungent smell. Although similar to propane, it has a double bond which gives it a combustion advantage i.e. it burns hotter. This fuel gas is extremely flammable and non-toxic. Propylene is obtained during the refining of gasoline. But it can also be produced by splitting, cracking and reforming hydrocarbon mixtures.

Propylene is an attractive alternative to propane for heating and cutting due to its superior combustion performance. It is also widely used as a fuel gas for high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) processes. In addition, the chemical and plastics industries rely on propylene as a fuel gas.

Non-fuel applications include organic synthesis to produce materials such as acetone. Propylene can be polymerised to form polypropylene plastic. It can also be employed as a refrigerant, or in calibration mixtures and as a chemical intermediate. In addition, it is used for efficiency testing of gas burners and engines.