Combustion of Acetylene

2C2H2 + 5O2 → 4CO2 + 2H2O

Overview

Acetylene burns in oxygen with an intensely hot flame reaching 3300 C, the hottest of any common fuel-oxygen combination. The oxy-acetylene flame is hot enough to cut and weld steel. Acetylene's triple bond stores significant energy that is released upon combustion.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Acetylene C₂H₂ 2 (g)
Reactant Oxygen O 5 (g)
Product Water H₂O 2 (l)
Product Carbon Dioxide CO₂ 4 (g)

Everyday Example

Oxy-acetylene torches used by welders and metalworkers to cut steel produce temperatures hot enough to melt through thick metal plate.

Industrial Importance

Oxy-acetylene welding and cutting is used in construction, shipbuilding, and metal fabrication. Acetylene is also a chemical feedstock for vinyl chloride and other chemicals.

Properties

Type
Combustion
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-2600.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Combustion of Benzene Combustion of Butane Combustion of Carbon Monoxide Combustion of Cyclohexane Combustion of Ethane Combustion of Ethanol Combustion of Ethylene Combustion of Glucose (Cellular Respiration) Combustion of Glycerol Combustion of Hexane

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Combustion of Acetylene?
The balanced equation is: 2C₂H₂ + 5O₂ → 4CO₂ + 2H₂O.
What type of reaction is Combustion of Acetylene?
Combustion of Acetylene is a combustion reaction.
Is Combustion of Acetylene exothermic or endothermic?
Combustion of Acetylene is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -2600.0 kJ/mol.