pappkarbid

Pappkarbid is a term sometimes used colloquially, particularly in German-speaking regions, to refer to calcium carbide when it is packaged in cardboard or paper containers. Calcium carbide itself is a chemical compound with the formula CaC₂. It is a solid substance that appears as grayish-white lumps.

The primary use of calcium carbide is in the production of acetylene gas (C₂H₂). This reaction occurs when calcium carbide comes into contact with water. The chemical equation for this process is CaC₂ + 2H₂O → C₂H₂ + Ca(OH)₂. Acetylene is a highly flammable gas that has various industrial applications, including as a fuel for welding and cutting metals, and in the synthesis of other organic chemicals.

Historically, calcium carbide was also used in lamps, such as carbide lamps, where water dripped onto the carbide to produce acetylene, which was then burned to produce light. While this method of lighting is largely obsolete, it was common in early automobiles, mines, and for cyclists. The packaging of calcium carbide in paper or cardboard containers is a practical consideration for its storage and transport, protecting the material and facilitating handling. The term "pappkarbid" simply emphasizes this particular mode of packaging.