Calcium Carbide Extra Pure
Calcium Carbide Extra Pure is a high-purity inorganic compound primarily used in laboratories for the generation of acetylene gas through hydrolysis, making it valuable for gas evolution experiments and flame tests. It is also utilized in organic synthesis reactions where acetylene is required as a precursor. The extra pure grade ensures minimal impurities, which is essential for consistent reaction performance and accuracy in analytical or instructional settings. Due to its high reactivity with water and release of flammable gases, it must be handled with care under dry conditions and stored in tightly sealed, moisture-resistant containers away from heat sources.
Primary Uses (Laboratory Context)
Acetylene Gas Generation
Reacts with water to produce acetylene (C₂H₂) gas:
CaC2+2H2O→C2H2+Ca(OH)2\text{CaC}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_2\text{H}_2 + \text{Ca(OH)}_2CaC2+2H2O→C2H2+Ca(OH)2
Commonly used in demonstrations, gas collection experiments, and flame testing.
Qualitative Gas Tests
Used in student and teaching labs to show combustion of unsaturated hydrocarbons, including sooty flame characteristics of acetylene.
Source of Acetylene for Organic Synthesis
In advanced labs, acetylene generated from calcium carbide can be used as a starting material in the synthesis of vinyl compounds, alcohols, or aldehydes.
Secondary Uses
Demonstrations in Chemistry Education
Ideal for visual and audible reactions, showcasing vigorous gas evolution and flammability—useful in school or college-level demonstrations.
Study of Alkynes
Offers an inexpensive, hands-on method to produce alkynes in situ for analytical chemistry or spectroscopic studies.
Calibration of Gas Sensors or Detection Equipment
Occasionally used as a controlled acetylene source to calibrate or test gas detectors in lab setups.
Basic Identification Attributes
Chemical Name: Calcium Carbide
Chemical Formula: CaC₂
CAS Number: 75-20-7
HS Code: 2849.10.00
Grade: Extra Pure (Laboratory Grade)
Synonyms: Calcium acetylide
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
Appearance: Greyish-white to brown solid or crystalline lumps (may darken due to impurities)
Odor: Garlic-like (from impurities, mainly phosphine and arsine)
Molar Mass: 64.10 g/mol
Melting Point: ~2,300 °C
Solubility:
Reacts violently with water to produce acetylene gas (C₂H₂)
Insoluble in most organic solvents
Density: ~2.22 g/cm³
Reactivity: Highly reactive with water and moisture
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification:
Water-reactive substances (Category 1)
Flammable gases (Category 1 – via acetylene generation)
Acute toxicity (Category 4)
Hazard Statements:
H260: In contact with water releases flammable gases
H302: Harmful if swallowed
H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
NFPA Ratings:
Health: 3
Flammability: 3
Reactivity: 3
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions:
Store in tightly sealed containers in a dry, cool place
Keep away from moisture, acids, and oxidizers
Packaging: Typically sealed metal or moisture-resistant containers
Handling Precautions:
Use only in a dry atmosphere or glovebox
Wear gloves, goggles, lab coat, and work in well-ventilated or fume hood conditions
Incompatibilities: Water, acids, humid air, oxidizing agents
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Transport Classification (UN):
UN 1402 – Calcium Carbide
Class 4.3 (Substances which emit flammable gases when in contact with water)
Disposal:
Quench small amounts in controlled, ventilated conditions
Never dispose with water down the drain — generates acetylene
Use hazardous chemical disposal protocols
6. Environmental & Health Impact
Toxicity:
Harmful via inhalation or ingestion
Contact with water generates acetylene, a highly flammable and explosive gas
Corrosive to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes
Ecotoxicity:
Harmful to aquatic organisms if not neutralized before disposal
Biodegradability: Not applicable — inorganic solid
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, face shield, and lab coat.
A fume hood is recommended for handling due to gas evolution risks.
Handling:
Handle with extreme care — reacts violently with water to release flammable acetylene gas.
Keep dry at all times. Avoid breathing dust or vapors.
Storage:
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Keep away from moisture, water, acids, and incompatible chemicals.
Keep away from any source of ignition.
Incompatibilities:
Water, moisture, acids, oxidizing agents.
FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air immediately.
Seek medical attention if coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation occurs.
Skin Contact:
Brush off any dry material gently.
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
Remove contaminated clothing and seek medical help.
Eye Contact:
Rinse immediately and thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek urgent medical attention.
Ingestion:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Rinse mouth and seek immediate medical help.
May release gas in the stomach, causing pressure or explosion risk.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flammability:
Not directly flammable, but reacts with water to produce highly flammable acetylene gas.
Extinguishing Media:
Dry sand, dry powder, or Class D fire extinguishers for metal fires.
DO NOT use water or foam.
Hazardous Combustion Products:
Acetylene gas (C₂H₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Firefighting Instructions:
Use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear.
Cool surroundings with dry extinguishing media if safe to do so.