Calcium carbide, also known as calcium acetylide, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula of CaC₂. Its main use industrially is in the production of acetylene and calcium cyanamide.
Formula: CaC2
Molar mass: 64.099 g/mol
Solubility in water: Reacts to produce Acetylene
3D model (JSmol): Interactive image
Appearance: White powder to grey/black crystals
Autoignition temperature: 305 °C (581 °F; 578 K) (acetylene)
Coordination geometry: 6
Calcium Carbide
Calcium carbide, also known as calcium acetylide, is a chemical compound with the formula CaC₂. Here are some key points about it:
- Production: Calcium carbide is industrially produced in an electric arc furnace by heating a mixture of lime and coke at around 2,200 °C (3,990 °F). The reaction is:
CaO+3C→CaC₂+CO
- Appearance: The pure material is colorless, but technical-grade calcium carbide appears grey or brown. It consists of about 80–85% CaC₂, along with other compounds like calcium oxide, calcium phosphide, and silicon carbide.
- Uses:
- Acetylene Production: Calcium carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene gas, which was once widely used for lighting and welding.
- Carbide Lamps: It generates acetylene gas in carbide lamps.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Used in the production of chemicals for fertilizers.
- Steelmaking: Calcium carbide is also employed in steelmaking processes.
- Odor: Technical-grade calcium carbide emits an unpleasant odor reminiscent of garlic when exposed to trace moisture.
Remember, calcium carbide reacts violently with water, releasing acetylene gas.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.