Chemical formula: CaC2, a grey or dark brown solid, is of industrial grade and frequently contains impurities (e.g. phosphine, hydrogen sulfide).
Reactivity:
In contact with water, the substance undergoes a rapid and exothermic reaction, producing acetylene (C₂H₂) and calcium hydroxide. This reaction is so energetic that explosion protection is required.
Reaction with nitrogen: The formation of calcium cyanamide (CaCN2, a fertilizer and chemical feedstock) occurs at elevated temperatures.
