Ethyne, also known as acetylene, is a colorless gas that is the simplest alkyne, a type of hydrocarbon. Its chemical formula is C2H2, which means it consists of two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms. Ethyne is highly flammable and 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 uses, ethyne is also important in the production of various chemicals and plastics. It can be found in small amounts in natural gas and is produced through the thermal cracking of hydrocarbons. Ethyne's unique properties make it a valuable compound in both chemical synthesis and energy applications.