Where to find carbide? This is the question that all men asked as children. Calcium carbide is formed as a result of the interaction of Ca oxide and carbon at high temperature. It is often left by welders after work.
What does carbide look like?
To determine where to find carbide on the street, you need to know its physical properties. Physically, the substance is solid, its color may be dark, having a grayish or brown tint. Color depends on the amount of carbon. There is also a specific smell that characterizes this substance.
By consistency, it is solid, but crumbles easily, turning into a powder. If you bring a match, then combustion begins with the release of carbon and the decomposition of calcium. True, this can be achieved at high temperatures, for example by a hunting match.
Quality response
Little knowledge about where to find carbide, you need to verify the authenticity of the substance. For a qualitative reaction, you need only a little water (you can even use your own saliva on the street). During the interaction of CaC 2 , methane and calcium hydroxide are released. You can observe a characteristic hiss, and if you bring a match at this moment - ignition.
Due to the violent reaction with water, carbide decomposes from atmospheric moisture. Therefore, the question of where to find calcium carbide on the street is very controversial. It is known that in its pure form it does not exist, this compound is mostly artificial than natural.
Substance use
Calcium carbide is widely used in industry. It is a catalyst in the synthesis of organic compounds. With its help, it became possible to synthesize rubber at a lower price. However, for this, it is first necessary to carry out the necessary chemical reactions for the synthesis of own carbide, and only then rubber. More and more chemists are wondering where to find carbide in nature to make their job easier.
Carbide has found its application in gardening. On its basis, farmers receive a fertilizer called calcium cyanide. It is used to improve the growth of the root system of seedlings and adult plants.
Precautionary measures
CaC 2 - An unstable compound that is prone to explode. The fact is that calcium can even react with air, and volatile gases form as a result of the reaction. The slightest spark can cause instant ignition with the release of a huge amount of heat and methane, which will entail sad consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to transport the substance in sealed containers.
Fans of live hacks and “sharp experiments” with carbide should take care of their own safety. When working with the substance, special gloves should be worn; if you take carbide with your bare hands, it will be impossible to wash them. The reaction with water causes not only the release of methane and heat, so a skin burn will be ensured.
Is carbide sold?
The easiest way to find carbide is through a specialized hardware store. Now calcium carbide is sold absolutely calmly, however, not all stores have it available. It is worth buying if it is necessary for business, and not for experiments that can cause irreparable damage to the skin.
Interesting Facts
Calcium carbide was first obtained by renowned chemist Edmund Davy. The scientist received it by heating acetic calcium. The result is calcium carbide, but that's not all. The famous chemist noted that when interacting with water, a colorless explosive gas, odorless, is released. So the well-known acetylene was discovered (it is also methane or hydrogen bicarbon). This was one of the great discoveries in the field of organic chemistry, and later gave rise to the production of organic compounds such as rubber, resin, styrene.