Chemical characteristics

Methylacetylene (propyne) is an alkyne with the chemical formula H₃C≡CH. It is a component of MAPP gas, which is commonly used in gas welding.

Use as a rocket fuel

Research by European space concerns into using light hydrocarbons with liquid oxygen as a relatively high performing propellant combination which would also be less toxic than the commonly used MMH/NTO (monomethylhydrazine /Nitrogen Tetroxide) systems, showed that propyne would be highly advantageous for craft intended for low Earth orbital operations. This conclusion was reached based upon a specific impulse expected to reach 370s if oxygen is used as oxidiser, a high density, and energy / volume ratio, and the moderate boiling point, which causes the chemical to present fewer problems in storage than for example a fuel that needs to be kept at extremely low temperatures. ( See cryogenics )

References

• German Aerospace Center

External links

alkynes

Metilacetilè | Propin | Προπίνιο | Propino | Propinum | Propyn | Propyn