Which term describes a colorless, flammable gas derived from natural gas and is used as a source of organic compounds in welding, cutting metals, to color citrus fruits and an anesthetic?

• A. Ethylene or Ethene
• B. Ethyl acetate
• C. Ethylamine
• D. Ethyl chloride

Answer: (A)

Ethylene (ethene) is the colorless, highly flammable gas produced from natural gas through cracking. It’s the basic building block for a vast range of organic compounds used across industry, which is why it’s described as a source of many organic materials. In agriculture, ethylene acts as a plant hormone that accelerates ripening and color development in fruits, including citrus fruits, which explains that part of the description. Historically, it was explored as an anesthetic due to its inhalation properties, though it’s not used for anesthesia today because of safety concerns. The other options are different chemicals (a liquid solvent, an amine, and a halogenated compound) and do not fit all the described roles.