XVIII. The physical properties of liquid acetylene

Abstract

The hydrocarbon acetylene, being the only one of its numerous class which can be formed synthetically by the direct union of its constituent elements, has an especial interest for the chemist. The chief physical constants of this substance are unknown, although its polymerised modification, benzene, has been very thoroughly studied in its physical relations by Regnault. Having one of M. Cailletet’s ingenious pumps for the liquefaction of gases at my disposal in the laboratory of the Royal Institution, Professor Dewar suggested a series of accurate determinations of its physical properties in the liquid state, and the present communication deals with the critical point, the tension of the vapour of the fluid at various temperatures, together with the corresponding densities and coefficients of compressibility.