Reference data from EU CLP Annex VI and published regulations — verify against your supplier's SDS before use.
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Safety data sheet reference · CAS 74-86-2

Acetylene SDS

also: acetylene MSDS · safety data sheet · C2H2 · CAS 74-86-2 · EC 200-816-9 · ethyne

Danger · Flam. Gas 1
Flame GHS02 Gas Cylinder GHS04

Official PDF from supplier

This page is a reference, not the legal document.

CAS number

74-86-2

EC number

200-816-9

CLP Annex VI index

601-015-00-0

Molecular formula

C2H2

Molar mass

26.04 g/mol

§ 02 · Hazards identification

Harmonised EU classification

CLP Annex VI · Index 601-015-00-0. A supplier SDS may add self-classified hazards — this is the legal minimum.

H220 Extremely flammable gas. Flammable gas — Category 1 (Flam. Gas 1)

Precautionary statements

P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P403 Store in a well-ventilated place.

§ 07 · Handling and storage

Computed storage verdict

Keep separate from 12 storage groups Compressed gases

§ 09 · Physical and chemical properties

Measured properties

Fire-relevant values first — flash point and explosion limits decide the storage and ventilation regime.

Explosion limits

2.5 – 100 %

LEL / UEL in air, vol.

Autoignition

305 °C

Melting point -83.9 °C
Boiling point -83.9 °C
Relative density (water = 1) 0.613

Source: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain); per-value source references stored in the database.

§ 10 · Stability and reactivity

Reactive group (CAMEO/NOAA): Alkynes, with Acetylenic Hydrogen, Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic Unsaturated, Polymerizable Compounds. Our database documents 59 incompatible and 60 caution reaction-partner groups for acetylene — including which combinations release gas on contact. See the per-partner breakdown with gas release →

59

Incompatible

60

Caution

§ 13 · Disposal considerations

Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local and national regulations — in the EU under the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. Never discharge to drains or municipal waste; hand contaminated packaging and unused product to an authorised waste-disposal company. The supplier's SDS section 13 lists the applicable waste codes for the specific product.

§ 14 · Transport information

Road transport — ADR 2025

UN number

UN 1001

Proper shipping name

ACETYLENE, DISSOLVED

Class · PG

2

Classification code

4F

Transport category

2

ADR labels

2.1

Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate

239
1001

Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.

UN number

UN 3374

Proper shipping name

ACETYLENE, SOLVENT FREE

Class · PG

2

Classification code

2F

Transport category

2

ADR labels

2.1

Source: UN ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352), Table A. Road (ADR) only — for sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), consult the supplier's SDS §14.

MSDS vs SDS

MSDS vs SDS: is there a difference?

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the format is set by REACH Annex II. So a "acetylene MSDS" and a "acetylene SDS" refer to the same document — today it is issued as an SDS. Full breakdown of the differences →

Other compressed gases in our database

Compliance hub

From classification to SDS

The classification above corresponds to Section 2 of a Safety Data Sheet. Learn how a compliant 16-section SDS is structured and authored →

GHS label maker

Build the label for acetylene

Pictograms, signal word and H-statements combined into a compliant label layout →

§ 16 · Sources

Reference aid only. This page summarises the harmonised EU classification and computed storage guidance — it is not a Safety Data Sheet and does not replace one. Always verify hazards, handling and storage against the supplier's SDS (sections 7 and 10) and local regulations before use. Page updated 2026-07-27.

Frequently asked questions

Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?

In practice, yes. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the SDS format is set by REACH Annex II. A document you find labelled "acetylene MSDS" is today issued as an SDS.

What GHS pictograms does acetylene require?

Under the harmonised EU classification (CLP Annex VI), acetylene carries GHS02 and GHS04 with the signal word "Danger". Hazard statements: H220. A supplier's SDS may add self-classified hazards on top of this harmonised minimum.

Where can I download an official acetylene SDS PDF?

From your own supplier — an SDS is issued per product and supplier, so the correct PDF for an inspection is the one matching the product you actually purchased. The supplier links on this page lead to the official SDS libraries of major distributors.

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