Calcium carbide

Chemical compound used in the production of acetylene gas

Calcium Carbide

A carbide lamp in use, demonstrating the production of acetylene gas.

Calcium carbide is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CaC_. It is primarily used in the production of acetylene gas, which is utilized in various industrial applications, including welding and as a precursor to other chemicals.

Chemical Properties

Calcium carbide is a grayish-black solid at room temperature. It reacts with water to produce acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide according to the following chemical equation:

CaC_ + 2H_O _ C_H_ + Ca(OH)_

This reaction is highly exothermic and is the basis for its use in carbide lamps and other applications.

Production

Calcium carbide is produced industrially in an electric arc furnace from a mixture of lime (CaO) and coke at approximately 2,200 °C (3,990 °F). The reaction is as follows:

CaO + 3C _ CaC_ + CO

The resulting calcium carbide is then cooled and crushed to the desired size.

Applications

Acetylene Production

The primary use of calcium carbide is in the production of acetylene gas. Acetylene is used as a fuel and a chemical building block. It is particularly important in the welding industry due to its high flame temperature.

Carbide Lamps

A close-up of a carbide lamp, showing the flame produced by acetylene gas.

Calcium carbide is used in carbide lamps, which were once common in mining and caving. These lamps produce light by the combustion of acetylene gas generated from the reaction of calcium carbide with water.

Chemical Synthesis

Calcium carbide is also used in the synthesis of various organic chemicals. It serves as a precursor to acetylene derivatives and other chemicals in the chemical industry.

Safety and Handling

Calcium carbide must be handled with care due to its reactivity with water and the flammability of acetylene gas. Proper storage and handling procedures are essential to prevent accidental ignition or explosion.

Related pages

• Acetylene
• Carbide lamp
• Chemical industry
• Welding

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  Chemical formula of calcium carbide
• Calcium carbide in solid form
  Calcium carbide in solid form
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  A lit carbide lamp