calcium carbide

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calcium carbide

chemical compound

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June 22, 2026

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Calcium carbide is a dark gray crystalline compound with the chemical formula CaC₂. It is primarily used to generate acetylene gas and in the production of calcium cyanamide.1

When calcium carbide reacts with water, it produces acetylene (C₂H₂) and a significant amount of heat. Acetylene is a flammable gas that has various applications, including as a fuel for welding and as a raw material in the synthesis of many organic chemicals and plastics. Pure acetylene is colorless, but when prepared from calcium carbide, it often contains impurities that give it an unpleasant odor.23

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chemical industry
Ethylene
…from a completely different source, calcium carbide.
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…from a completely different source, calcium carbide.
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Bhutan
Resources and power
Calcium carbide—the country’s main mineral export—limestone, dolomite, gypsum, coal, marble, quartzite, and talc are the primary products of the country’s mining activities. Other minerals, extracted in smaller quantities, include slate, beryl, pyrite, and various gemstones, as well as a number of metals, such as lead,…
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Calcium carbide—the country’s main mineral export—limestone, dolomite, gypsum, coal, marble, quartzite, and talc are the primary products of the country’s mining activities. Other minerals, extracted in smaller quantities, include slate, beryl, pyrite, and various gemstones, as well as a number of metals, such as lead,…
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calcium
Compounds
…material in the production of calcium carbide, CaC₂, also known simply as carbide, or calcium acetylide. Colourless when pure (though technical grades are typically grayish brown), this solid decomposes in water, forming flammable acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂. The decomposition reaction is used for the production of acetylene, which…
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…material in the production of calcium carbide, CaC₂, also known simply as carbide, or calcium acetylide. Colourless when pure (though technical grades are typically grayish brown), this solid decomposes in water, forming flammable acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂. The decomposition reaction is used for the production of acetylene, which…
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carbide
Ionic carbides
…important of these compounds is calcium carbide, CaC₂. The primary use for calcium carbide is as a source of acetylene for use in the chemical industry. Calcium carbide is synthesized industrially from calcium oxide (lime), CaO, and carbon in the form of coke at about 2,200 °C (4,000 °F). Pure…
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…important of these compounds is calcium carbide, CaC₂. The primary use for calcium carbide is as a source of acetylene for use in the chemical industry. Calcium carbide is synthesized industrially from calcium oxide (lime), CaO, and carbon in the form of coke at about 2,200 °C (4,000 °F). Pure…
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