It is a colourless solid with a pungent odour and high combustibility. Calcium carbide is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and benzene.
Calcium carbide has a wide range of uses, mainly in the production of acetylene gas. Acetylene gas can be used as an industrial fuel, a burning agent for cutting metals and a raw material for synthetic chemicals. Calcium carbide is also used in the production of open flames for acetylene gas welding and plays an important role in industries such as steel smelting and chemical synthesis.
Calcium carbide is made by a reaction in which limestone is heated in concert with coal to produce gas and limestone. The gas produced by the reaction is processed so that the acetylene in it can be collected and purified to obtain calcium carbide.
Safety precautions must be taken when using calcium carbide. Acetylene is flammable and explosive, direct contact and friction with calcium carbide should be avoided and a well-ventilated environment maintained. Calcium carbide needs to be stored properly and avoided from coming into contact with other items (especially oxidising agents) to prevent fires and explosions. Protective measures such as wearing protective glasses and gloves and using appropriate equipment and devices are also required when handling acetylene. In all cases, the use of calcium carbide or acetylene should be carried out in strict accordance with the relevant safety regulations.
