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Acetylene, also known by its chemical name ethyne, is a hydrocarbon with the formula C₂H₂. It is the simplest alkyne, consisting of two carbon atoms connected by a triple bond and two hydrogen atoms bonded to each carbon. Acetylene is a colorless, flammable gas with a faint garlic-like odor, though in pure form it is odorless. It is widely used in industrial, commercial, and laboratory settings due to its high energy content and reactivity.

Acetylene was first discovered in 1836 by the German chemist Friedrich Wöhler, who identified it as a product of the reaction between calcium carbide and water. The industrial production of acetylene typically involves the same reaction, where calcium carbide (CaC₂) reacts with water to produce acetylene, calcium hydroxide, and heat. This method remains one of the most common ways to generate acetylene on an industrial scale.

One of the key properties of acetylene is its ability to form highly stable carbon-carbon triple bonds, which make it highly reactive in various chemical reactions. It serves as a crucial feedstock in the synthesis of organic compounds, including plastics, synthetic rubbers, and pharmaceuticals. Acetylene is also used in oxy-fuel gas welding and cutting, where its flame reaches temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees Celsius (5,432 degrees Fahrenheit), making it ideal for high-temperature applications.

Due to its flammability and explosive nature, acetylene must be handled with extreme caution. It is typically stored and transported in pressurized cylinders containing a porous material, such as wood pulp, to absorb the gas and prevent excessive pressure buildup. Proper ventilation and safety protocols are essential when working with acetylene to minimize risks of fire or explosion.

In addition to its industrial uses, acetylene plays a role in laboratory settings as a reagent in various organic synthesis reactions, such as hydrogenation and polymerization. Its versatility and reactivity continue to make it a valuable compound in chemistry and related fields.