Acetylene vs. Ethylene — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 31, 2023
Acetylene is a hydrocarbon used for welding, while ethylene is a plant hormone and industrial chemical.
Difference Between Acetylene and Ethylene
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Acetylene is a colorless gas used primarily in welding and metal cutting. Ethylene is a colorless gas, acting as a plant hormone and used in the production of plastics.
Chemically, acetylene (C2H2) has a triple bond between two carbon atoms. Ethylene (C2H4) has a double bond between its carbon atoms.
Acetylene is highly flammable and used in oxy-acetylene torches for high-temperature applications. Ethylene is used in the ripening of fruits and as a precursor in the production of polyethylene.
Acetylene is unstable in its pure form and usually stored in acetone for safety. Ethylene is relatively more stable and widely used in the chemical industry.
In addition to welding, acetylene is used in portable lighting. Ethylene gas is crucial in the agricultural sector for regulating plant growth and development.
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Comparison Chart
Chemical Formula
C2H2
C2H4
Bond Type
Triple bond between carbon atoms.
Double bond between carbon atoms.
Primary Use
Welding and metal cutting.
Plant hormone and plastic production.
Flammability
Highly flammable.
Less flammable than acetylene.
Stability
Unstable in pure form, stored in acetone.
Relatively stable.
Compare with Definitions
Acetylene
Hydrocarbon:
Acetylene consists of two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms.
Ethylene
Plant Hormone
Ethylene regulates the ripening of fruits.
Acetylene
Flammable Gas:
Acetylene must be handled carefully due to its flammability.
Ethylene
Industrial Chemical
Ethylene is used to produce polyethylene.
Acetylene
Triple Bonded Molecule:
The triple bond gives acetylene its unique properties.
Ethylene
Agricultural Aid
Ethylene application helps in controlling plant growth.
Acetylene
Welding Gas:
Acetylene is used in oxy-acetylene torches.
Ethylene
Hydrocarbon
Ethylene is composed of two carbon and four hydrogen atoms.
Acetylene
Lighting Fuel:
Acetylene was historically used in portable lamps.
Ethylene
Double Bonded Molecule
The double bond in ethylene affects its reactivity.
Acetylene
Acetylene (systematic name: ethyne) is the chemical compound with the formula C2H2. It is a hydrocarbon and the simplest alkyne.
Ethylene
Ethylene (IUPAC name: ethene) is a hydrocarbon which has the formula C2H4 or H2C=CH2. It is a colorless flammable gas with a faint "sweet and musky" odor when pure.
Acetylene
A colorless, highly flammable or explosive gas, C2H2, used for metal welding and cutting and as an illuminant. Also called ethyne.
Ethylene
A colorless flammable gas, C2H4, derived from natural gas and petroleum and also occurring as a natural plant hormone, used as a source of many organic compounds, in welding and cutting metals, to ripen citrus fruits, and as an anesthetic. Also called ethene.
Acetylene
Any organic compound having one or more carbon–carbon triple bonds; an alkyne.
Ethylene
(organic compound) The common name for the organic chemical compound ethene. The simplest alkene, a colorless gaseous (at room temperature and pressure) hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H4.
Acetylene
Ethyne; the simplest alkyne, a hydrocarbon of formula HC≡CH. It is a colourless, odorless, extremely flammable, explosive gas, formerly used as an illuminating gas, but now used in welding and metallurgy.
Ethylene
(organic chemistry) The divalent radical derived from ethane.
Acetylene
A lamp powered by acetylene, particularly a motor vehicle headlight.
Ethylene
A colorless, gaseous hydrocarbon, C2H4, forming an important ingredient of illuminating gas, and also obtained by the action of concentrated sulphuric acid in alcohol. It is an unsaturated compound and combines directly with chlorine and bromine to form oily liquids (Dutch liquid), - hence called olefiant gas. Called also ethene, elayl, and formerly, bicarbureted hydrogen.
Acetylene
A gaseous compound of carbon and hydrogen, in the proportion of two atoms of the former to two of the latter. It is a colorless gas, with a peculiar, unpleasant odor, and is produced for use as an illuminating gas in a number of ways, but chiefly by the action of water on calcium carbide. Its light is very brilliant.
Ethylene
A flammable colorless gaseous alkene; obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals; sometimes used as an anesthetic
Acetylene
A colorless flammable gas used chiefly in welding and in organic synthesis
Common Curiosities
Can acetylene be stored in its pure form?
No, acetylene is usually stored in a solution with acetone due to its instability.
Is acetylene dangerous?
Yes, acetylene is highly flammable and can be explosive, requiring careful handling.
What products are made from ethylene?
Ethylene is used to produce plastics like polyethylene and PVC.
What is acetylene used for?
Acetylene is mainly used for welding and metal cutting.
How does ethylene affect plants?
Ethylene acts as a hormone, influencing fruit ripening and other growth processes.
Does ethylene occur naturally?
Yes, ethylene is produced naturally by plants.
What role does ethylene play in fruit ripening?
Ethylene triggers the biochemical processes that lead to fruit ripening.
How is acetylene produced?
Acetylene is typically produced by the reaction of calcium carbide with water.
How is ethylene produced industrially?
Ethylene is produced through the steam cracking of hydrocarbons like ethane and propane.
Is acetylene a natural gas?
Acetylene can be found in small amounts in natural gas, but it's usually manufactured.
What is the chemical formula of acetylene?
The chemical formula of acetylene is C2H2.
What is the chemical formula of ethylene?
The chemical formula of ethylene is C2H4.
Can ethylene be harmful?
In high concentrations, ethylene can be harmful and is flammable.
Why is acetylene used in welding?
Acetylene, when burned with oxygen, creates a flame hot enough to melt metals.
What safety precautions are needed for acetylene?
Proper storage, handling, and ventilation are crucial to avoid accidents with acetylene.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
