What is the formula for acetylene?

Acetylene is an organic compound that consists of two carbon atoms bonded by a triple bond, along with two hydrogen atoms. The chemical formula for acetylene, C2H2, represents this structure accurately, indicating that there are two carbon (C) atoms and two hydrogen (H) atoms in each molecule. The triple bond between the carbon atoms is significant as it contributes to acetylene's properties, making it a member of the alkyne family of hydrocarbons.

The other options represent different compounds. For instance, C4H6 would correspond to butyne, which has a different structure and a higher number of hydrogen atoms, while C3H8 denotes propane, a more saturated compound. C2H4 reflects ethylene, which is an alkene and contains a double bond between the carbon atoms instead of a triple bond. Understanding the formula for acetylene emphasizes the importance of structural representation in determining chemical properties and reactivity in organic chemistry.