As you can see ethylene is of low molecular weight and size, it is a gas at room temperature. It is flammable and easily oxidized all the way to carbon dioxide when burned in air. Its double bond makes it reactive, and potent oxidizers like potassium permanganate (KMnO4) can eliminate it from the gas in a room. Activated charcoal can adsorb it too. So for storing fruit, these are some important room-air considerations needed to keep fruit from ripening prematurely.