acetylide

chemical compound

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June 17, 2026

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An acetylide is a chemical compound derived from acetylene by replacing hydrogen with a metal. For example, cuprous acetylide is C₂Cu₂. The term "acetylide" comes from the combination of "acetyl" and the suffix "-ide". This type of compound was first known in 1863.1

The related term "acetylate" means to introduce an acetyl radical into a compound. An "acyl" is a radical derived from an organic acid by removing its hydroxyl group.23

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acetylene
The acetylides of silver, copper, mercury, and gold are detonated by heat, friction, or shock. In addition to its reactive hydrogen atom, the carbon–carbon triple bond can readily add halogens, halogen acids, hydrogen cyanide, alcohols, amines, and amides. Acetylene can also add to itself or to…
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The acetylides of silver, copper, mercury, and gold are detonated by heat, friction, or shock. In addition to its reactive hydrogen atom, the carbon–carbon triple bond can readily add halogens, halogen acids, hydrogen cyanide, alcohols, amines, and amides. Acetylene can also add to itself or to…
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carbide
Preparation of carbides
…prepared with acetylene are called acetylides and contain the C₂²⁻ anion. For example, the alkali metal acetylides are best prepared by dissolving the alkali metal in liquid ammonia and passing acetylene through the solution. These compounds, which have the general formula M₂C₂ (where M is the metal), are colourless, crystalline…
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…prepared with acetylene are called acetylides and contain the C₂²⁻ anion. For example, the alkali metal acetylides are best prepared by dissolving the alkali metal in liquid ammonia and passing acetylene through the solution. These compounds, which have the general formula M₂C₂ (where M is the metal), are colourless, crystalline…
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