propylene

American  

[proh-puh-leen] / ˈproʊ pəˌlin /

adjective

1. containing the propylene group.

---

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

---

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 .

---

Etymology

Origin of propylene

First recorded in 1840–50; propyl + -ene

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

propylene

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

Its explosive limits range from about 3.1 to 25.1 percent by volume as opposed to 3.1 to 27.5 percent by volume for propylene oxide.

From U.S. Patent 4,293,314: Gelled Fuel-Air Explosive October 6, 1981. by Bertram O. Stull

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---