MARVEL analysis of the measured high-resolution rovibrational spectra of C2H2

•37,813 measured acetylene transitions from 61 publications analysed.•6013 ortho and 5200 para empirical energy levels determined.•Comparisons made with other acetylene databases.

Rotation-vibration energy levels are determined for the electronic ground state of the acetylene molecule, 12C2H2, using the Measured Active Rotational-Vibrational Energy Levels (Marvel) technique. 37,813 measured transitions from 61 publications are considered. The distinct components of the spectroscopic network linking ortho and para states of the molecule are considered separately. The 20,717 ortho and 17,096 para transitions measured experimentally are used to determine 6013 ortho and 5200 para energy levels. The Marvel results are compared with alternative compilations based on the use of effective Hamiltonians.