A

Acetylene

IUPAC: acetylene

C2H2 Organic Compounds CAS 74-86-2
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC2H2
CAS Number74-86-2
Molecular Weight26.04
Melting Point-119 °F (Sublimes) (NIOSH, 2024)
Boiling Point-119 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Density0.613 at -112 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility2 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceAcetylene appears as a colorless gas with a faint garlic-like odor. Easily ignited and burns with a sooty flame. Gas is lighter than air. Flame may flash back to the source of a leak very easily. U...
Also Known AsEthyne; Narcylen; Ethine; Acetylen; Vinylene; 74-86-2; OC7TV75O83; DTXSID6026379; CHEBI:27518; acetylene;ethyne
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Acetylene?

Acetylene is a gas molecular entity, an alkyne and a terminal acetylenic compound.

Formula & Notation

C2H2

IUPAC Name: acetylene

Other Names / Synonyms: Ethyne; Narcylen; Ethine; Acetylen; Vinylene; 74-86-2; OC7TV75O83; DTXSID6026379; CHEBI:27518; acetylene;ethyne

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Acetylene appears as a colorless gas with a faint garlic-like odor. Easily ignited and burns with a sooty flame. Gas is lighter than air. Flame may flash back to the source of a leak very easily. U.... Molecular formula: C2H2. Molecular weight: 26.04 g/mol. Boiling point: -119 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999). Melting point: -119 °F (Sublimes) (NIOSH, 2024). Density: 0.613 at -112 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: 2 % (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 44.2 atm (NIOSH, 2024). LogP: 0.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-119 °F (Sublimes) (NIOSH, 2024)
Boiling Point-119 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Density0.613 at -112 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight26.04
Solubility2 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceAcetylene appears as a colorless gas with a faint garlic-like odor. Easily ignited and burns with a sooty flame. Gas is lighter than air. Flame may flash back to the source of a leak very easily. U...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Acetylene
Formula C2H2
CAS Number 74-86-2
Molecular Weight 26.04
Synonyms Ethyne; Narcylen; Ethine; Acetylen; Vinylene; 74-86-2; OC7TV75O83; DTXSID6026379; CHEBI:27518; acetylene;ethyne

Frequently Asked Questions

Acetylene is a gas molecular entity, an alkyne and a terminal acetylenic compound.

More "A" Terms

View all "A" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.