Organic Compounds from Calcium Carbide
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Synthesis of organic compounds from calcium carbide primarily involves the reaction of calcium carbide with water to produce acetylene gas (ethyne). Acetylene is a versatile building block for the synthesis of various organic compounds. Here's a general overview of the process:
1. Preparation of calcium carbide: Calcium carbide
(CaC2) is commercially available and can be prepared by heating lime (calcium oxide, CaO)
with carbon in an electric arc furnace. The reaction is as follows:
CaO + 3C → CaC2 + CO
2. Generation of acetylene gas: Calcium carbide reacts with water (H2O) to produce acetylene gas
(C2H2) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). The reaction is highly exothermic and should be performed
with caution:
CaC2 + 2H2O → C2H2 + Ca(OH)2
3. Utilization of acetylene: Acetylene can be used as a starting material for the synthesis of various organic compounds. Some common examples include:
a. Hydrocarbons: Acetylene can be used to synthesize a range of hydrocarbons, such as alkenes and alkynes, through various addition and substitution reactions.
b. Alcohols: Acetylene can be hydrated to form ethanol (C2H5OH) by reacting it with water in the
presence of a strong acid catalyst:
C2H2 + H2O → C2H5OH
c. Ketones: Acetylene can react with carbonyl compounds in the presence of suitable catalysts to form ketones. For example, acetylene can react with formaldehyde (CH2O) to produce propargyl alcohol, which can further be oxidized to propynal and then converted to a variety of ketones.
d. Organic acids: Acetylene can be oxidized to form organic acids, such as acetic acid (CH3COOH). This can be achieved by subjecting acetylene to controlled combustion or using specific catalysts.