Accelerated ripening of fruit and vegetables - with ethylene generated from di:bromo-ethane and zinc

摘要

Ripening of fruit and vegetables is accelerated by exposure to ethylene produced on site, as required, by reaction between metered amts. of dibromoethane (DBE) and Zn dust. The DBE can opt. contain 10% ethoxyethanol or ethylene glycol. Mono- or diethylene glycol monobutyl ether can be added to the DBE. It is also claimed that analogous reactions can be obtd. using dihalides and metals (Zn-Mg) to produce olefins and acetylenes, and that 1,2-dichloroethane and other halide cpds. can be used instead of DBE (specifically 1,2-dibromoethane). The amt. of ethylene generated can be precisely controlled; the ethylene is of high purity; cumbersome gas bottles and pressure-reducing valves are not required.