Acetylene is a chemical compound with the chemical formula C2H2. The spelling of the word "acetylene" is pronounced as /əˈsɛtəliːn/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/ followed by the /s/ consonant sound. The second syllable starts with the phoneme /ɛ/ which is then followed by /t/ and /ə/ and ends with the long vowel sound /iː/. The final syllable has the /n/ consonant sound. This word is commonly used in the field of welding and is an important industrial chemical as well.
Acetylene is a highly flammable hydrocarbon gas with the chemical formula C2H2. It is a colorless gas, and its odor is often described as garlic-like. Acetylene is produced primarily through the reaction of calcium carbide with water, known as acetylene generation.
Acetylene is widely used as a fuel and a chemical building block in various industrial processes. Its high heat content and ability to burn at high temperatures make it an ideal fuel for welding, cutting, and brazing applications. It is also used in portable lamps and torches, as well as in specialized industrial processes such as flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Apart from its role as a fuel, acetylene is a vital raw material in the chemical industry. Many compounds are derived from or synthesized using acetylene, including various plastics, synthetic fibers, and solvents. Its triple bond between carbon atoms makes it a versatile precursor for the production of numerous chemicals and organic compounds.
Acetylene is known for its characteristic property of forming explosive mixtures with air or oxygen. Therefore, storage, transportation, and handling of acetylene require caution to minimize the risk of fire or explosion. Acetylene cylinders are typically filled with a porous material saturated with acetone to ensure its stability during storage.
In summary, acetylene is a colorless and highly flammable hydrocarbon gas that is extensively used as a fuel and building block in industrial processes. Its ability to burn at high temperatures and its versatility in chemical reactions make it a valuable resource for various applications.
A colorless gas, of a disagreeable odor, which burns with an intense white flame; it is prepared commercially by the action of water on calcium carbide.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The word "acetylene" originates from the Latin term "acetum", which means vinegar. It further combines with the Greek suffix "-ene", which is used to indicate that acetylene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon. Thus, the name "acetylene" literally means "vinegar-like" due to its slightly fruity odor.