Calcium Carbide

Calcium carbide, also known as calcium acetylide, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula of CaC₂. Its main use industrially is in the production of acetylene and calcium cyanamide. The pure material is colorless, however pieces of technical-grade calcium carbide are grey or brown and consist of about 80–85% of CaC₂. In the presence of trace moisture, technical-grade calcium carbide emits an unpleasant odor reminiscent of garlic.