What is Calcium Carbide?
Calcium carbide is a chemical compound with the formula
CaC2. It is composed of calcium and carbon atoms and is primarily used in industrial
applications. Here are some key points about calcium carbide:
1. Production: Calcium carbide is produced by heating lime (calcium oxide, CaO) and carbon in
an electric arc furnace at temperatures above 2,200 degrees Celsius (4,000 degrees
Fahrenheit). The reaction that takes place is as follows:
CaO + 3C → CaC2 + CO
2. Physical properties: Calcium carbide is a grayish-black solid with a crystalline
structure. It has a density of around 2.22 grams per cubic centimeter. The compound is
insoluble in water but reacts vigorously with it to produce acetylene gas.
3. Acetylene production: One of the primary uses of calcium carbide is the production of
acetylene gas (C2H2). When calcium carbide reacts with water, it undergoes hydrolysis to
produce acetylene and calcium hydroxide:
CaC2 + 2H2O → C2H2 + Ca(OH)2
Acetylene gas is highly flammable and is used in various industrial applications, including
welding and cutting metals, as well as in the production of chemicals like vinyl chloride
and acetaldehyde.
4. Other applications: Besides acetylene production, calcium carbide has some other uses as
well. It can be used as a desulfurizing agent in steelmaking, as a reducing agent in the
production of metals like titanium, and as a source of carbon in the production of calcium
cyanamide, a nitrogen fertilizer.
5. Safety considerations: Calcium carbide reacts violently with water, releasing flammable
acetylene gas. Therefore, it should be handled with care and stored in a dry environment
away from moisture. It is important to follow proper safety protocols and guidelines when
working with calcium carbide.
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