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acetylene (C2H2)
Also known as ethyne, a colorless, odorless flammable gas prepared by the reaction of water and calcium carbide (or acetylide); it is a very weak acid. Acetylene is the first member of the alkyne series of hydrocarbons.
Acetylene may explode when under pressure, so is stored dissolved in acetone. It is used in the oxyacetylene torch for cutting and welding metals, in lamps, and in the synthesis of acetaldehyde, vinyl compounds, neoprene, rubbers, and various solvents and insecticides. In high concentration of 40 volumes per cent and higher it has the effect of an anesthetic.
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• ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
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