Acetylene

Acetylene was discovered in 1836 by Sir Edmund Davy. It is a synthesis gas generally produced from the reaction of calcium carbide with water. In the 19th century, Acetylene was used in “acetylene lamps” to light mining tunnels. Although this gas is colorless, it has a very distinct garlic smell. This gas is unstable and highly combustible. It produces a very hot flame (over 3000 °C or 5400 °F) when combined with oxygen.