propylene

American  

[proh-puh-leen] / ˈproʊ pəˌlin /

adjective

1. containing the propylene group.

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noun

1. Also a colorless, flammable gas, C 3 H 6 , of the olefin series: used chiefly in organic synthesis.

propylene British  

/ ˈprəʊpɪˌliːn /

noun

1. another name for propene

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propylene Scientific  

/ prō′pə-lēn′ /

1. A flammable gas produced by cracking (breaking down) petroleum and used to make plastics and isopropyl alcohol. Propylene is the second member of the alkene series. Also called propene. Chemical formula: C ₃ H ₆ .

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Etymology

Origin of propylene

First recorded in 1840–50; propyl + -ene

Example Sentences

Last week, Japanese giant Mitsubishi Chemical started cutting production capacity of its steam cracker, a facility that converts naphtha into ethylene and propylene, which it runs as a joint venture.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Polyolefins are produced by combining small chain links, or monomers, of ethylene or propylene, which are typically obtained from oil and natural gas.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2024

It offers several advantages over other petroleum-based carbonates such as ethylene and propylene carbonates, which are key electrolyte carriers in lithium batteries.

From Science Daily • Feb. 1, 2024

The Public Prosecutor said that between October 2021 and February 2022 the company received two batches of propylene glycol, which is used for making cough syrup.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2023

Thus ethane gives H3C�CH2�CH3, propane; ethylene gives H2C:CH�CH3, propylene; and acetylene gives HC∶C�CH3, allylene.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various