A alkyne with the formula C2H2. It is made by reacting calcium carbide with water. It is a gas at room temperature, but can be liquefied by pressure alone. It has an extremely positive enthalpy of formation of +250 kJ/mol, which means that it produces much heat when it is burned. It is used in welding torches because of this. It decomposes at pressures above 2 atmospheres, releasing carbon, hydrogen, and a large amount of heat.

A*cet"y*lene (#), n. Chem.

A gaseous compound of carbon and hydrogen, in the proportion of two atoms of the former to two of the latter. It is a colorless gas, with a peculiar, unpleasant odor, and is produced for use as an illuminating gas in a number of ways, but chiefly by the action of water on calcium carbide. Its light is very brilliant.

Watts.

 

© Webster 1913.

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