Substance profile
Calcium Cyanamide
Calcium Cyanamide is a pure calcium cyanamide occurs as glistening.
01 · Identification
What Calcium Cyanamide is
Calcium Cyanamide is a pure calcium cyanamide occurs as glistening. Its molecular formula is CCaN2 and its molecular weight is 80.1 g/mol. It boils at 1150 °C, melts at 1340 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P270, P280, P301, P305, P310, P312, P330, P338
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Calcium Cyanamide properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 1150 °C (2102 °F) | above this value | CAMEO |
| Sublimes | sublimes | NIOSH | |
| sublimes | sublimes | OSHA | |
| Melting point | 1340 °C (2444 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 1300 °C (2372 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 2.29 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 2.29 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in organic solvents | HSDB | |
| Essentially insoluble in water (decomposes) | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Decomposes (NTP, 1992) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| Vapor pressure | 0 mmHg | approx | NIOSH |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Solid, but a fire risk if it contains calcium carbide. | NIOSH |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Calcium Cyanamide
Storage conditions
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away form moisture.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Water [Note: May polymerize in water or alkaline solutions to dicyanamide. Decomposes in water to form acetylene & ammonia].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
When hydrated CALCIUM CARBIDE generates salts of calcium that are basic and are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydroxide ions and have pH's greater than 7.0. They react as bases to neutralize acids. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of strong bases and the neutralization of amines. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Calcium Cyanamide in the storage compatibility matrix →