What does acetylene gas smell like?

Acetylene gas is known for its distinctive garlic-like smell, which can be quite strong. This odor is a key characteristic of the gas and serves as an important safety feature. Recognizing the smell helps workers identify leaks or potentially dangerous situations when using acetylene in applications such as oxyfuel cutting. The strong garlic-like odor enables those working with the gas to take immediate action to mitigate risks, as acetylene is highly flammable and can be explosive under certain conditions.

The other choices highlight odors that are not associated with acetylene. For example, the sweet and fruity scent is more commonly linked to other chemicals, while the smell of rotten eggs is typically associated with hydrogen sulfide. The description of a pungent and sour scent does not accurately match acetylene either. Recognizing the specific smell of acetylene is essential for safety in any environment where this gas is used.