Question

In an acetylene cylinder the acetylene is dissolved in:
1. Mercury
2. Acetone
3. Water
4. Sliver oxide

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Acetone

Concept:

• Acetylene is highly unstable and flammable and would explode in elevated pressure when reacting with oxygen in air.
• Storing acetylene gas in cylinders under pressure is very dangerous.
• Acetylene gas is used for welding purposes is stored in cylinders of liquid acetone contained in porous material (like firebrick).
• This is for cooling purpose in the event of thermal decomposition and to ensure that there is no free space left for acetylene gas.
• It also prevents the formation of high-pressure air pockets inside the cylinder.
• Dissolved acetylene in acetone will no longer be in contact with oxygen and is not subject to decomposition.
• Acetone is used because it is capable of dissolving large amount of acetylene gas under pressure without changing the nature of the gas.