Acetileno

Acetileno, also known as ethyne, is a chemical compound with the formula C₂H₂. It is the simplest alkyne, a class of hydrocarbons characterized by the presence of a carbon-carbon triple bond. Acetylene is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure, with a distinctive, though often masked by impurities, garlic-like odor.

Historically, acetylene was a significant industrial chemical, primarily produced through the reaction of calcium carbide with water. This method yielded acetylene as a byproduct of carbide production. Today, it is more commonly manufactured by the partial oxidation or thermal cracking of methane or other light hydrocarbons.

Acetylene is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. Its combustion is highly exothermic, producing a very hot flame, which makes it useful in oxy-acetylene welding and cutting torches. The high temperature of the flame, reaching over 3,300 degrees Celsius, allows for the efficient melting and fusion of metals.

Beyond its use in welding, acetylene serves as a feedstock for the synthesis of various organic chemicals. It is a precursor to vinyl chloride, which is used to produce PVC plastic, and is also employed in the production of acetaldehyde, acetic acid, and other important industrial chemicals. Due to its instability and potential for explosive decomposition, acetylene is often handled and stored dissolved in acetone or dimethylformamide under pressure to enhance its safety.