Acetylene is a colorless gas that is highly flammable and has a distinctive odor. It is composed of two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms, giving it the chemical formula C2H2. Acetylene is commonly used as a fuel in welding and cutting metals due to its high flame temperature when burned with oxygen. In addition to its industrial applications, acetylene is also used in the production of various chemicals and plastics. It can be found in the synthesis of vinyl chloride, which is a precursor to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a widely used plastic. Safety precautions are essential when handling acetylene due to its explosive nature.