Hydrolysis of Calcium cyanamide and Reaction with Water | CaNCN + H₂O

Calcium cyanamide (CaNCN) hydrolysis and gives ammonia gas and Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). In this method, ammonia (NH₃) gas is produced as a result. But this reaction is not a very efficient way to produce ammonia gas in an industrial scale. Specifically, Calcium cyanamide is not soluble in water, but hydrolysis as described later in this tutorial.

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Hydrolysis of calcium cyanamide

Here, we discuss how reactants (Calcium cyanamide and water) reacts with each other and what are the products will be given. As well, what are the physical observations you can see during the reaction.

Products of the reaction

Though, Calcium cyanamide is not soluble in water, Calcium cyanamide slowly reacts with water to Calcium carbonate and ammonia as mentioned in the following chemical reaction.

CaNCN + H₂O → CaCO₃ + NH₃

Change of oxidation states of atoms in CaNCN, H₂O, CaCO₃ and NH₃

This reaction is not a redox reaction. Therefore, oxidation states of atoms are not changed during the reaction.

Balanced equation of reaction of CaNCN and H₂O

CaNCN + 3H₂O → CaCO₃ + 2NH₃

Physical observations during the reaction

• Calcium nitrite is a white solid at room temperature and when it is added to the water, you can see it is deposited as a precipitate.
• Due to the formation of ammonia gas as a product, you may have the chance to bubbling inside the aqueous solution. And also, may smell the odor of ammonia gas. But keep in mind that ammonia is a highly poisonous gas and do not try to inhale it for identification process.
• Addition to that, other product Calcium carbonate is also a water insoluble white colour precipitate.

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Health and safety measures when Calcium cyanamide reacts with water

When we consider health and safety measures, all reactants and products, heat generation should be taken into the considerations.

• Calcium cyanamide:
  • Harmful if swallowed
  • Causes serious eye damage
  • cause respiratory irritation
• Ammonia
  • Highly toxic poisonous gas

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