In this comprehensive discussion of the production of and uses for ethylene, the topics covered include the properties of ethylene; industrial production; storage, shipping, handling; and economics. Extensive coverage of the commercial production of ethylene via thermal cracking is provided. The reaction is discussed as well as the methods employed to predict the feedstock conversion. Product distributions are given for a variety of feedstocks. A description of the industrial furnaces available is given, as well as a typical process description and process flow diagram. Information is provided on coke deposition during the cracking process, giving the methods used to inhibit coke production and methods used to remove coke deposited. Recent improvements in the design of ethylene plants plus possible other routes to produce ethylene are presented.