ClimateAugust 25, 2026

olefins

OH-lih-finz

Definition

A class of hydrocarbons, specifically alkenes, that serve as primary raw materials for the production of plastics and various industrial chemicals.

Etymology

Derived from the French 'oléfine', formed from the Latin 'oleum' (oil) and the suffix '-fique' (making). It was historically used to describe oil-forming gases that react with chlorine to produce oily liquids.

In the news

The article highlights that demand for olefins is expected to more than double by 2050 as they are essential building blocks for plastics and clean energy technologies.

Indonesia's petrochemical buildout puts climate targets under strain

Read the full article ↗

ET Chemicals

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