Acetylene is the simplest alkyne, used as a fuel in welding and cutting metals. It is produced through the reaction of calcium carbide and water or passing hydrocarbons through an electric arc. Acetylene burns hotter than any other known gas mixture at around 6,000°F. Alcohols contain one or more hydroxyl groups attached to a carbon atom. Common alcohols include ethanol and methanol, which have various industrial and medical uses. Amino acids are important organic compounds composed of an amine and carboxylic acid functional group, as well as a side chain. They are the building blocks of proteins and play critical roles outside of proteins.