Acetylene (C2H2) can be synthesized from ethene (C2H4) through a reaction called "partial oxidation". The reaction can be performed by passing ethene and air over a hot metal catalyst, typically made of copper or iron. The reaction is exothermic and generates heat, which helps to maintain the reaction temperature. The following is the equation for the conversion of ethene to acetylene:
C2H4 + O2 -> C2H2 + H2O
In this reaction, ethene reacts with oxygen from air to form acetylene and water. The reaction is usually performed in a controlled environment, such as a reactor, to ensure that the reaction conditions are suitable for optimal conversion of ethene to acetylene. The acetylene produced is then typically purified, compressed, and stored for later use as a fuel or chemical feedstock.