Barium carbide

Barium carbide

Names
IUPAC name Barium ethynediide
Other names Barium acetylide
Identifiers
CAS Number	50813-65-5
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	13785937
EC Number	235-126-7
InChI InChI=1S/C2.Ba/c1-2;/q-2;+2 Key: DNQAUNUUVGPFFU-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES [C-]#[C-].[Ba+2]
Properties
Chemical formula	BaC2
Molar mass	161.35 g/mol
Appearance	black crystalline solid
Density	3.75 g/cm3
Related compounds
Other cations	Calcium carbide; Strontium carbide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

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]

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]

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]

Barium carbide can cause damage to the GI tract and irritation in the skin and eyes.^[1]