A Finkelstein reaction is the process of breaking down acetylene gas in an autoclave, also known as an autoclave explosion. The reactions are named after the chemist who first studied the process, Martin Finkelstein. Acetylene gas is often used in welding torches and is highly flammable when mixed with air. When heated by another source (such as an electric arc) in a pressurized vessel containing water vapor, it creates hydrochloric acid that can then react with ethanol to form ethylidene chloride and hydrogen chloride gases that will break down into hydrochloric acid again.
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