Natural gas and petroleum are used primarily as fuels. These are also used as starting materials for the production of variety of organic compound.
Propane and butane which are gases obtained from natural gas are widely available as liquid in fuel cylenders.
Ethylene is the major starting material fir the menufacture of organic chemicals and products such as polyethylene (plastic).ethyl alcohol,acedic acid and ethylene glycol called antifreeze.
Acetylene is widely used in the oxy- acetylene welding and cutting materials. Acetylene is also used in the preparation of polymers like PVC ( polyvinyl chloride ) polyvinyl acetate , synthetic, rubber, nylon etc.
Acetylene is also used for artificial ripening of fruits.
Compounds of phenol help to ensure antiseptic conditions in hospital operating rooms.
Methanol is used as a solvent for fats, oils, paints and varnishes.
Many organic compound are used in the manufacture of drugs, dyes,cosmetics, detergents and soaps, nylon, emulsionand paints etc.
