Propylene, fruit ripening

Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain at least one C=C bond. The simplest alkene is CH2=CH2, called ethene (lUPAC) or ethylene, which plays important roles as a plant hormone in seed germination and fruit ripening. The next member of the series is CH3 — CH = CH2, called propene or propylene. Alkenes with four or more carbon atoms have several isomers. For example, the alkene C4H8 has the four structural isomers shown in A FIGURE 24.7. Notice both their structures and their names. 

Aluminum alkyls used in making organometallic catalysts and as initiators for processes such as ethylene-propylene rubber, polybutadiene, low pressure polyethylene, and ethylene oligomerization to make alpha-olefins and Cg to Cjg alcohols. Agriculture, as a ripening agent for fruits and vegetables. 

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