Title: Calcium Carbide

CAS Registry Number: 75-20-7

Additional Names: Acetylenogen

Molecular Formula: C2Ca

Molecular Weight: 64.10

Percent Composition: C 37.47%, Ca 62.52%

Line Formula: CaC2

Literature References: Prepn: Ehrlich in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry Vol. 1, G. Brauer, Ed. (Academic Press, New York, 2nd ed., 1963) p 943. Review: Brennan, J. Electrochem. Soc. 99, 61c (1952).

Properties: Grayish-black, irregular lumps or orthorhombic crystals; dec by water with evolution of acetylene leaving a residue of lime. d 2.22; mp 2300°.

Melting point: mp 2300°

Density: d 2.22

Use: Generating acetylene gas for lighting purposes (1 kg of carbide yields ~300 liters acetylene); as reducing agent, e.g., for direct reduction of copper sulfide to metallic copper; signal fires for marine service; manuf of calcium, iron, alloys, lampblack, cyanamide; welding and cutting metals.