ACETYLENE DESCRIPTION

Acetylene (C2H2) is not an air gas, but a synthesis gas generally produced from the reaction of calcium carbide with water. It was burnt in "acetylene lamps" to light homes and mining tunnels in the 19th century. A gaseous hydrocarbon, it is colorless, has a strong garlic odor, is unstable, highly combustible, and produces a very hot flame (over 3000°C or 5400°F) when combined with oxygen.