Question

Acetylene is transported from one place to another in the form of tis solution in acetone because
A. it is activated by acetone
B. it might polymerize into benzene
C. it moght explode on a sudden shock
D. it might be oxidized to `CO_2` and air

Answer 1

Correct Answer - C
The enthalpy of formation of acetylene `(Delta_fH^@)` is `+54.3`kcal `mol^(-1)` The positive value indicates that acetylene is thermodynamically unstable and is readily and explosively converted into its elements when acetylene is stored:
`CH_2H_2(g)to2C(s)+H_2(g),DeltaH^@=-54.3`kcal
When needed for an oxyacetylene torch, acetylene is to be stored in commercial cylinders. Since the liquid is alo unstable, the cylinders contain pumice saturated with acetone which adsorbs acetylene. Unlike other alkynes `C_2H_2` can be dissolved in water to give 0.5 M solution. when dissolved or adsorbed, acetylene is stable.