Aluminum carbide (Al4C3) is a less commonly used carbide compound due to its instability under normal atmospheric conditions. Nevertheless, it has some unique properties and applications. Here are some key parameters for aluminum carbide:
- Chemical Formula: Al4C3
- Molecular Weight: 144.09 g/mol
- Appearance: Aluminum carbide exists as a grayish-white or colorless crystalline solid.
- Density: Approximately 2.52 g/cm³. This is relatively low compared to other carbides.
- Melting Point: The melting point of aluminum carbide is not definitively established due to its reactivity, but it decomposes before reaching typical melting, releasing methane gas.
- Decomposition: Al4C3 reacts violently with water, releasing methane gas (CH4) according to the reaction: Al4C3 + 12H2O → 4Al(OH)3 + 3CH4. This makes it unsuitable for wet environments and requires careful handling.
- Reactivity: Highly reactive, especially with water and moist air. It can ignite spontaneously in the presence of moisture.
- Solubility: Insoluble in most organic solvents but reacts with water.
- Thermal Stability: Aluminum carbide is thermally unstable under ambient conditions due to its reactivity with water.
- Synthesis: Typically produced by reacting aluminum powder with carbon at high temperatures in an inert atmosphere.
- Applications: Despite its instability, aluminum carbide finds limited use in the production of aluminum acetylacetonate, a catalyst and precursor in organic synthesis. It has also been investigated for use in special ceramics and as a potential source of aluminum and methane in certain chemical reactions.
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Hazards: Due to its reactivity and potential to release flammable gases, aluminum carbide must be stored and handled carefully, away from moisture and potential ignition sources.
