Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Acetylene

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Acetylene, Ethyne, Ethine, Vinylene

UN Number

1001

Chemical Formula

C₂H₂

Hazards

Extremely flammable gas stored under pressure

PPE Considerations

SFPC with SCBA

Fire Fighting Considerations

Do not extinguish unless the leak can be stopped.  Acetylene may burn inside the cylinder.  Keep containers cool if involved in fire and use TIC to assess fire status within cylinder.

Decontamination

Ventilation

Detection and Monitoring

Colormetric, electrochemical sensor, flammability range assessment (LEL),

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Colorless gas with mild odor

Vapor Pressure

44.2 ATM

Boiling Point

Sublimates

Vapor Density

.9

Specific Gravity

-

Miscibility

-

Flash Point

-.67^oF (closed cup)

LEL/UEL

2.5/100%

Autoignition Temp

581^oF

pH

-

Toxicity

IDLH

N.D.

PEL/REL/STEL

2500/-/-ppm

LD50

-

LC50

-

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Asphyxiant gas 

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

CNS, respiratory symptoms, frostbite

Medical Treatment

Fresh air and treat symptomatically, flush eyes with water

Other Information

May form explosive atmosphere in air, wet clothing before removing to reduce risk of static spark, may form explosive compounds with copper, mercury, silver, and brass

Chemical Structure