Acetylene / C₂H₂
Gas Identification
Chemical properties
Physical properties
Flammability limit
Threshold limit value
Acetylene : Description and use
Acetylene is an alkyne hydrocarbon chemical compound, discovered by Edmund Davy in England in 1836.
It is in the form of a colourless gas dissolved in acetone under pressure. In its pure form, it is an extremely flammable gas which can spontaneously explode when subject to high pressure (in excess of two atmospheres) or to a sharp rise in temperature. It is obtained from the reaction of water with calcium carbide in specially designed devices called acetylene generators or from the thermal cracking of hydrocarbons. It is generally found in pressurised cylinders, dissolved in acetone permeating a porous material.
Flammability: The risk of fire is very high. If mixed with air containing 30% acetylene it could catch fire at 305°C. It is therefore important to work away from sources of sparks, open flames or heat and to not smoke whilst using this product. It could catch fire when in contact with strong oxidising agents.
Explosiveness: The risk of explosion is very high. Acetylene forms explosive mixtures with air between concentrations of 2.5% and 82%. It can explode when in contact with chlorine and with fluorine.
Acetylene is primarily used as a raw material in the chemical industry. Particularly in the synthesis of numerous organic compounds (chloroethene, vinyl acetate, acrylates, 1,4-butanediol, etc.) or to fuel the flame of an oxyacetylene torch, which is used frequently in welding or for cutting metals.
It is used in other sectors:
- for chemical analysis by atomic absorption in the glass industry
- as a fuel component for lighting buoys, beacons and lighthouses
- as a fuel component for motor boats
- to manufacture carbon black
Acetylene : Warnings and caution
H220 - Extremely flammable gas.
H280 - Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated. Can displace oxygen and quickly cause suffocation.
EUH 006 - Explosive with or without contact with air.
P210 - Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces. No smoking.
P377 - Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely.
P381 - Eliminate all ignition sources if safe to do so.
P410+P403 - Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place.
P241 - Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/.../equipment.
Acetylene : Related products
Aucun produit disponible n'est actuellement lié à la détection de ce gaz.
