Alpha Olefins

Alpha Olefins

Alpha olefins refers to those olefins where the double bond is at the primary, or alpha, position. This position enhances the reactivity with other chemicals. Alpha olefins are produced mostly from either ethylene dimerization or extraction from steam cracker raffinate C4 streams. Short chain alpha olefins such as butenes and hexenes are used as comonomers in polyethylene. Longer chain alpha olefins are converted to chemicals used in detergents, lubricants and plasticizers.