Thermine

Thermine is a chemical compound with the formula ThC2. It is a carbide of thorium. Thermine is a solid substance at room temperature. It is known for its high melting point and its ability to store and release heat. This property has led to its investigation for various energy storage applications, although it is not widely used in commercial products. Thermine is typically produced by heating thorium dioxide with carbon in an electric arc furnace or by reacting thorium metal with acetylene gas. The compound is relatively stable under normal conditions but can react with strong oxidizing agents. In terms of its physical properties, thermine is an extremely hard material and has a metallic luster. Its density is higher than that of thorium. Historically, its high energy density made it a subject of interest for specialized applications where controlled heat release was required. Research continues into its potential uses, particularly in areas requiring high-temperature materials or energy storage solutions, but practical implementation remains limited.