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In Chemistry , Carbide confusingly refers to three different things:

1. The Polyatomic Ion C22−, or any salt of such. There is a Triple Covalent Bond between the two carbon atoms.

2. The Monatomic Ion C4−, or any salt of such. This ion is a very strong base, and will combine with four Proton s to form Methane : C4− + 4 H+ → CH4.

3. A carbon-containing alloy or doping of a metal or semiconductor, such as steel.

EXAMPLES





TYPES OF CARBIDES



Methides


A salt corresponding to the ion C4− can be called a methide. Methides commonly react with water to form Methane .


Acetylides


A salt corresponding to the ion C22− can be called an Acetylide . Acetylides commonly react with water to form Acetylene .


Compounds that do not fit usual notions of valence or stoichiometry



Interstitial carbides


These are formed with metals; they often have metallic properties.


Some covalent compounds


Elements that have similar Electronegavitity form mainly covalent compounds. For example, the compound silicon carbide is mostly covalent; it has similar structure to Diamond .


PROPERTIES


Under conditions of Standard Temperature And Pressure , Metal carbides react strongly with Water to form metal Oxide s or Hydroxides and flammable Acetylene gas, e.g.:

: CaC2 + 2H2O → C2H2 + Ca(OH)2

Carbide Lamps , an important source of portable subterranean Illumination for Mining and Caving , and in the past for Lighthouse lamps, work through on-demand production and Combustion of Acetylene by the metered addition of Water to calcium carbide.

Gas Lighting , using acetylene gas generated from carbide, was used in some homes before the Incandescent Lamp came into widespread use. It was also the main source of lighting on Bicycle s and carriages before the widespread availability of electric lamps and batteries. The carbide was prepared industrially by the action of an Electric Arc Furnace on a mixture of Coke and Limestone .

In the northern, eastern and southern regions of the Netherlands and in Belgium carbide is used as fireworks. To create an explosion, carbide and water are put in a milk churn with a lid. Ignition is usually done with a torch. Some villages in the Netherlands fire multiple milk churns in a row as an oldyear tradition.


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