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Calcium Carbide NOT for SALE only for EDUCATIONAL Knowledge
Calcium Carbide is a colorless and odorless solid with the chemical formula CaC2.
Calcium Carbide is a colorless and odorless solid with the chemical formula CaC2.Commercial Calcium Carbide, however, may present a relatively wide range of colours depending on the impurities present (usually calcium, magnesium, and other oxides).
It is also known as calcium acetylide, phenyl glyceryl ether diacetate, and glycerol phenyl ether diacetate. Calcium Carbide in its pure form appears as a colourless crystalline solid and is a rock-like structure at room temperature.
Commercial calcium carbide varies in colour from Steel-grey to reddish brown, depending on impurities and the method of manufacture. It is made from lime and coke in the electric furnace at temperature of 2200 - 2500oC, using large amount of electric power. Industrial calcium carbide is about 80% pure remaining is calcium oxide and 2-5% other impurities. Its outstanding property is that of reacting with water to produce acetylene gas.
The chief applications of calcium carbide are in the manufacture of calcium cyanamide, acetylene required in oxyacetylene welding, synthesis of solvents and organic compounds required in the pharmaceutical and dyestuff industries and manufacture of synthetic rubber and plastics. It is also used in signal fires. Sodium cyanide used for the recovery of gold in the ore-treatment process is manufactured from calcium carbide. As a dehydrating agent, calcium is employed in electrostatic work and in the food and solvent industries. It finds application in the steel hardening, in the manufacture of graphite and hydrogen, and in the reduction of copper sulphide and metallic oxide.
Other Uses of Calcium Carbide (CaC2)
- It is used in the production of calcium hydroxide and acetylene.
- It is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride as acetylene the derivative of calcium carbide can be used as a raw material for the production of PVC.
- It is used to produce calcium cyanamide.
- It is used in the removal of sulphur from iron. The removal of sulphur from any material is called desulphurization.
- It is used in lamps such as carbide lamps. In the early days, it was used as headlights of automobiles.
- Used as a ripening agent like ethylene.
- It is used in bamboo cannons as well as big-bang cannons.
- It is used as a deoxidizer i.e it helps in the removal of oxygen during the manufacturing of steel.
Handling :
Use only under a chemical fume hood. Wear personal protective equipment. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces and sources of ignition. Do not allow contact with water. Protect from moisture.
Storage :
Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Keep away from heat and sources of ignition. Keep away from water. Protect from moisture. Flammables area.
|
CaC2 |
Calcium Carbide |
| Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 64.099 g/mol |
| Density | 2.22 g/cm3 |
| Melting Point | 2160 0C |
| Boiling Point | 2300 oC |