Barium carbide (also referred to as barium ethynediide or barium acetylide)[1] is a chemical compound in the carbide family having the chemical formula BaC2.[2]
Preparation
Barium carbide can be synthesized as an impure compound by reducing barium carbonate powder with metallic magnesium in the presence of carbon.[3] Barium carbide can also be made by reducing carbon dioxide with hot barium metal at 600°C.[4] These methods are used because of their high yield, and because the carbide is used to make acetylene. It can also be prepared by heating a barium amalgam and carbon powder mixture in a hydrogen current. The pure compound is prepared by reducing barium oxide with carbon at high temperature.[5]
Properties
Barium carbide reacts similarly to calcium carbide,[6] but it's more fusible. When exposed to extreme heat, the barium will evaporate leaving behind crystals of graphite. It can also absorb the carbon in a solution at high temperature.[5]
Hazards
Barium carbide can cause damage to the GI tract and irritation in the skin and eyes.[1]
^Arrol, W. J.; Glascock, R. (1948). "308. The conversion of carbon dioxide into acetylene on the scale of 2—20 micromoles". J. Chem. Soc. 3: 1534–1537. doi:10.1039/JR9480001534. PMID18101450.
