Polymerisation and uses of ethyne

Polymerization of ethyne (acetylene)

When ethyne (acetylene) is passed through a red hot copper tube, it polymerises to benzene.

polymerization of ethyne

Uses of ethyne

Ethyne is used
  • as the fuel for the oxyacetylene blow-lamp used in cutting and welding metals.
  • to prepare ethanal (i.e. acetaldehyde), and
  • many important organic chemicals, including vinyl chloride monomer, which is used in the manufacture of the industrially important plastic polyvinyl chloride, PVC.