Acetylene Gas
Acetylene gas (C2H2) is a highly flammable hydrocarbon used in welding, cutting metals, and as a chemical precursor in organic synthesis due to its high reactivity and energy content.
Properties
- Molecular Formula: C₂H₂
- Molecular Weight: 26.04 g/mol
- Boiling Point: -84 °C (-119 °F)
- Melting Point: -80 °C (-112 °F)
- Density: 1.097 g/L (at 0 °C and 101.3 kPa)
- Appearance: Colorless gas
- Odor: Generally has a faint, garlic-like odor due to impurities; pure acetylene is odorless.
Uses and Applications
- Welding and Cutting: Acetylene is widely used in oxy-acetylene welding and cutting processes due to its high temperature flame (about 3,500 °C or 6,332 °F) generated by combustion with oxygen.
- Chemical Synthesis: It serves as a raw material in the synthesis of many organic compounds, including plastics like PVC, and various chemicals used in industrial processes.
- Portable Lighting:
Historically, acetylene was used in portable lamps (carbide lamps) where calcium carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene, generating light.
- Medical Fabrication: In metal fabrication, acetylene is used for flame heating, brazing, and soldering due to its high flame temperature and efficiency.
Safety Information
- Hazards: Acetylene gas is highly flammable and explosive, necessitating strict safety measures.
- Storage: Acetylene must be stored in cylinders filled with a porous mass saturated with acetone to stabilize the gas safely.
- Handling: Proper handling of acetylene requires specialized equipment and adherence to strict safety protocols due to its volatile nature.
Packaging and Delivery
Acetylene gas is stored in acetone-saturated cylinders, transported in specialized vehicles, and requires strict handling protocols due to its high flammability and explosive nature.