ACETYLENE

Acetylene, also known as ethyne, is the most basic and well-known member of the hydrocarbon series containing one or more pairs of carbon atoms linked by triple bonds, also known as the acetylenic series, or alkynes. The acetylenic series, or alkynes, is composed of one or more pairs of carbon atoms linked by triple bonds. In addition to being used as a fuel in oxyacetylene welding and metal cutting, it is also employed as a raw ingredient in the synthesis of many organic compounds and plastics. Its chemical formula is C2H2, and it is a colourless, inflammable gas.

Acetylene, in its pure form, is a colourless gas with a nice odour; but, when it is made from calcium carbide, it often contains traces of phosphine, which gives off an unpleasant garlic-like odour. With the release of heat, acetylene can be broken down into its constituent parts. Depending on the circumstances, an explosion may or may not result from the decomposition process. Pure acetylene, whether in liquid or solid form, bursts with tremendous force when subjected to pressures in excess of around 15 pounds per square inch.

It is the hottest and most efficient of all fuel gases, allowing for high levels of productivity to be achieved through efficient localised heating and the generation of the least amount of thermal waste. The smallest amount of oxygen is also required in order to achieve full combustion. Because this volatile, colourless gas is lighter than air, it does not accumulate at low concentrations, where it could pose a harm to people or property. 

Acetylene’s Physical and Chemical Characteristics (C2H2)

1. The HBr-induced reaction

HBr is used to treat acetylene to produce the chemical compound ethylidene bromide.

2. The reaction with the metal sodium

In the presence of acetylene, sodium reacts to form sodium hydro acetylide and hydrogen.

Na + C2H2 → NaHC2 + H2 

3. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) reaction

Chloroacetylene chloride (CH3CHCl2) is generated when acetylene interacts with HCl.

 Acetylene Uses

• Acetylene is utilised in the brazing process.

• This is a term used in the glass business.

• Synthetic rubber is a material that is used in its production.

• Metals are soldered together with this technique.

• It is used as a food preservation ingredient.

• Precipitation of metals is accomplished with this method.

• Acetic acid is a chemical compound used in the production of acetic acid.

• Acrylonitrile is a feedstock that is used in the production of the chemical.

• Carburization of steel is accomplished with the help of this chemical.

• It is employed as a gasoline additive.

• Handling and Keeping Things Safe

 Because acetylene is a very explosive substance, it must be handled and stored with extreme caution. This substance, due to its extreme flammability, can pose a major safety concern to workers. As a result, acetylene cylinders, like all other gas cylinders, should be transported, stored, and handled in the right manner to guarantee that they are fully safe.

Unfortunately, the importance of safety is not always attributed to it as it should be. According to our calculations, up to one-third of acetylene cylinders purchased from all retail outlets are not transported in an environmentally responsible manner. As a result, major accidents and – in some cases – fatalities have occurred.

Pipelines are used to convey the product because they allow for the transportation of high volumes at low pressure over a short distance. Acrylonitrile is often only carried to a nearby plant, or “across the fence,” as it is referred to in the chemical manufacturing industry.

 Health Hazards

A headache, loss of consciousness, and dizziness are all possible symptoms for those who come into touch with this substance. If there is a significant concentration of Ethyne in the air, it is possible to die from choking to death.

 CONCLUSION

Acetylene was first employed as a source of illumination in the early 1900s and has been around ever since. An acetylene lamp with a regulated droplet rate of water was used to drop water on a solid chunk of calcium carbide in one experiment. The acetylene that was produced was then fed through an ignition chamber, where it burnt brightly white and produced a bright white light. Acetylene lamps were employed in a variety of circumstances, including as a source of illumination for miners, as a source of light for bicycles and early automobiles, and as a source of illumination for other workers. Acetate lamps were even employed as the primary source of illumination in certain small towns and villages. Acetylene lamps have remained a popular collectors’ item among antique dealers even in the modern era.

Acetylene is extremely flammable and explosive, and should be avoided at all costs. Anyone who works with the chemical or who uses it in any manner should be familiar with how to operate the apparatus that houses the gas in question. Acetylene also has the chemical property of interacting with certain metals, such as copper and silver, to generate highly explosive compounds known as acetylides. This is a rare chemical trait for acetylene. No metals other than acetylene can be found in lamps, torches, and other devices that are designed to hold and disperse acetylene. High amounts of the gas are also a health threat for humans when they are present. When inhaled in large quantities, it is categorised as an asphyxiant, a gas that can cause confusion, unconsciousness, and death if inhaled repeatedly.