What is the Difference Between Acetylene and Ethylene?

The main difference between acetylene and ethylene lies in their chemical structure and bonding. Here are the key differences:

• Chemical Formula: Acetylene has the chemical formula C2H2, while ethylene has the chemical formula C2H4.
• Bonding: Acetylene has a triple bond between the two carbon atoms, resulting in a linear geometry for the molecule. Ethylene has a double bond between the carbon atoms and a bond angle of about 120 degrees.
• Hybridization: In acetylene, both carbons are sp-hybridized, resulting in two sp hybrid orbitals oriented along the x-axis and two unhybridized p orbitals oriented perpendicularly along the y and z axes. In ethylene, both carbon atoms are sp2-hybridized, resulting in three sp2 hybrid orbitals oriented in a trigonal planar geometry.

Similarities between acetylene and ethylene include:

• Both are small hydrocarbons composed only of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms.
• Both are colorless gases.
• Both are flammable gases.
• Both have planar structures.

Comparative Table: Acetylene vs Ethylene

The main difference between acetylene and ethylene is the type of bond between the carbon atoms in their chemical structure. Here is a table comparing their differences:

Both acetylene and ethylene are small hydrocarbons composed only of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms, and they are colorless and flammable gases. However, acetylene has a triple bond between its two carbon atoms, while ethylene has a double bond. Acetylene's molecular geometry is linear due to the triple bond, whereas ethylene is a planar molecule.