What Is Calcium Carbide?

What Is Calcium Carbide?

What Is Calcium Carbide?

Calcium Carbide is an industrial chemical made up of the elements calcium and carbon. In its pure form, it appears as a colorless solid but its technical grade pieces appear as grey or brown in color. It emits an unpleasant garlic like odor in the presence of moisture. It reacts violently with water. Calcium Carbide is also known as calcium acetylide and its chemical formula is CaC2.

This chemical has many industrial uses but it is most popularly used in the chemical industries.

Is Calcium Carbide Safe?

Calcium Carbide is generally considered unsafe because the chemical is toxic. Exposure to this chemical can have acute or chronic health effects. According to the MSDS of Calcium Carbide, it may cause skin irritation, serious eye damage, and respiratory irritation. It is also toxic to aquatic life. Proper storage and disposal of Calcium Carbide needs to be taken into consideration in order to avoid any unwanted effects.

How is Calcium Carbide Made?

Industrially, Calcium Carbide is produced in an electric arc furnace from a mixture of lime and coke at high temperature.