Chemical formula: CaC₂, grey or dark brown solid, industrial grade, often contains impurities (such as phosphine, hydrogen sulfide).
Reactivity:
Reaction with water: violently forms acetylene (C₂H₂) and calcium hydroxide, the reaction is exothermic (explosion protection is required).
Reaction with nitrogen: Calcium cyanamide (CaCN₂, used as fertilizer and chemical feedstock) is formed at high temperatures.
