Calcium Carbide – 500 gram Packs

Calcium Carbide is an inorganic compound consisting of calcium and carbon, with the chemical formula CaC₂ and a formula mass of approximately 64.10 g/mol. It is commonly encountered as a greyish-black solid and belongs to the carbide family of compounds. Calcium carbide is highly reactive with water and moisture, producing acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide. This reaction is significant in inorganic chemistry and industrial chemical research involving carbide compounds and gas-forming reactions. Its specialised laboratory relevance depends on the intended investigation, material specifications, and suitable engineering controls. This 500 gram pack is intended for laboratory sourcing, subject to confirmation of the supplied grade and physical form. Because the reaction with water can release highly flammable acetylene and create fire or explosion hazards, calcium carbide requires strict moisture exclusion, appropriate storage arrangements, and handling by trained personnel.

Product Specifications

Specification	Details
Appearance	Greyish-black solid
Assay	99%
Chemical Name	Calcium Carbide
Alternate Names	Calcium Acetylide, Calcium Dicarbide, Acetylenogen
Molecular Formula	CaC₂
Empirical Formula	CaC₂
CAS Number	75-20-7
Molecular Weight	64.10 g/mol
Grade	LR Laboratory Reagent

Key Features of Calcium Carbide

• Defined inorganic composition: Calcium carbide has the formula CaC₂, containing calcium and carbon in a 1:2 atomic ratio.
• Characteristic physical form: It is commonly encountered as a greyish-black solid, with the exact appearance depending on the supplied material.
• High chemical reactivity: It reacts with water to produce acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide.
• Gas-forming reaction chemistry: Its reaction behaviour is relevant to specialised studies of inorganic carbides and gas-producing chemical reactions.
• Specialised research relevance: It may be considered for approved investigations of carbide chemistry when appropriate facilities, verified specifications, and safety controls are available.

Laboratory Applications of Calcium Carbide

• Inorganic chemistry research: Relevant to specialised investigations of metal carbides, their composition, and chemical reactivity.
• Reaction chemistry studies: Examined in controlled professional research to understand carbide reactions and the formation of acetylene.
• Gas-generation chemistry: Relevant to appropriately equipped facilities studying gas-forming inorganic reactions under rigorous fire and explosion controls.
• Industrial chemistry investigations: Studied in research involving acetylene production and the chemical behaviour of calcium carbide.
• Materials chemistry research: May be considered for specialised investigations of carbide materials when supported by suitable technical procedures and risk controls.

Why Choose Lab Wale to Buy Calcium Carbide

Lab Wale offers a sourcing option for laboratory chemicals and scientific supplies used by universities, research centres, and laboratory professionals. When purchasing Calcium Carbide in a 500 gram pack, buyers should confirm the chemical identity, applicable grade, physical form, and available technical and safety documentation. Because the substance reacts dangerously with moisture and can release flammable acetylene gas, the intended application and storage arrangements require careful evaluation. Reviewing product specifications helps laboratories determine whether the material meets their technical and safety requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calcium Carbide

What is Calcium Carbide used for in laboratories?

Calcium carbide is relevant to specialised inorganic and industrial chemistry investigations involving carbide reactivity and acetylene formation. Such work requires appropriate facilities, trained personnel, and rigorous safety controls. Its water reactivity and associated fire and explosion hazards make it unsuitable for routine unsupervised classroom demonstrations.

What are the chemical formula and molecular weight of Calcium Carbide?

Calcium carbide has the molecular and empirical formula CaC₂ and a formula mass of approximately 64.10 g/mol. These values describe the pure compound. Commercial material may contain impurities or other constituents, so its actual composition should be established when precise stoichiometric calculations are required.

What is the CAS number of Calcium Carbide?

The CAS Registry Number for calcium carbide is 75-20-7. This identifier distinguishes calcium carbide from other calcium compounds, including calcium carbonate and calcium acetate. Confirm the product identity against its applicable technical documentation before recording the substance in a laboratory inventory or selecting an experimental procedure.

Why must Calcium Carbide be protected from moisture?

Calcium carbide reacts with water to produce calcium hydroxide and acetylene gas. Acetylene is highly flammable and can create serious fire or explosion hazards. Even unintended moisture exposure can initiate a dangerous reaction, so the substance requires dry, sealed storage and specialist handling that prevents contact with water.

How should Calcium Carbide be stored and handled safely?

Store calcium carbide in an airtight, moisture-resistant container in a dry, secure area, separated from water and incompatible substances. Prevent contact with damp air, avoid dust generation, and control ignition sources. Trained personnel must follow the applicable Safety Data Sheet and approved procedures for water-reactive chemicals.

Storage Conditions for Calcium Carbide

Store Calcium Carbide in an airtight, moisture-resistant, compatible container in a dry, secure, well-ventilated storage area. Protect it rigorously from water, humidity, and other sources of moisture. Keep it away from incompatible substances and ignition hazards associated with potential acetylene release. Follow the applicable Safety Data Sheet and institutional procedures for water-reactive materials.

Precautions for Handling Calcium Carbide

Review the current Safety Data Sheet and complete a specialist risk assessment before handling. Calcium carbide reacts with water to release highly flammable acetylene gas, creating fire and explosion hazards. Prevent contact with water and moisture, avoid inhaling dust, and use suitable protective equipment and engineering controls. Keep ignition sources away and restrict handling to trained personnel. Spill response and disposal must follow approved procedures for water-reactive chemicals; never apply water directly to the material.