Preparation of Calcium cyanamide (CaNCN) from Calcium Carbide and Nitrogen gas

There are several methodologies to prepare Calcium cyanamide in industrial scale or in laboratory. As one method, Calcium carbide (CaC₂) is heated with Nitrogen gas (N₂) stream at 1000⁰C. It gives calcium cyanamide (CaNCN) and carbon as the product. This mixture is called nitrolime which is used as a fertilizer in agricultural field.

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Reaction of Calcium carbide and nitrogen gas to prepare Calcium cyanamide

Here, we will discuss how Calcium carbide and Nitrogen gas react with each other and which products will be given under certain conditions.

Products of the reaction

As mentioned earlier, Calcium cyanamide and carbon are given as products. Reaction is carried out in very high temperature (1000⁰C).

Change of oxidation states of atoms

Oxidation states of several atoms are changed during the reaction. Therefore, this reaction is a redox reaction.

• Nitrogen atoms in Nitrogen gas is reduced when cyanamide ion is formed.
• Carbon atom in the Carbide ion is oxidized when carbon is given.

Balanced equation Calcium carbide and nitrogen gas

1 mol of CaC₂ reacts with Nitrogen gas and gives 1 mol of CaNCN and 2 moles of Carbon.

CaC₂ + N₂ → CaNCN + 2C

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