Acetylene is a colorless and tasteless gas with a garlic-like odor. It is flammable and can be an asphyxiant. In order to prevent explosive decomposition, acetylene is supplied in cylinders filled with a porous mass packing material that is saturated with acetone or other suitable solvent in which the acetylene is actually dissolved. The specifications shown are on a solvent free basis.

The specifications for acetylene are found in the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Pamphlet G-1.1. Grade D is considered commercial acetylene.

Acetylene
(Units in ppm (v/v) unless show otherwise)

Certain acetylene plants do not purify the generated acetylene since for most purposes there is no demand for high purity acetylene.