Synthesis gas, the acetylene (C2H2) is generally produced from the reaction of the calcium carbide with the water.
In 19th century, we burned it in "acetylene torches" for the lighting of houses and tunnels in mines.
Hydrocarbon gaseous, it is colorless, has a pronounced smell of garlic and is unstable.
Highly combustible, the acetylene produces a very warm flame (more of 3,000°C or 5,400°F) in the presence of oxygen.
It is mainly used for welding and cutting applications, and for lubrification of glass' molds.