Chemical Properties Calcium carbide is extremely chemically reactive. When it reacts with water, it produces acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide, releasing a large amount of heat. This characteristic endows calcium carbide with a unique and crucial position in chemical reactions. Application Fields Calcium carbide has a wide range of applications in industry. Firstly, the acetylene gas generated from the reaction of calcium carbide with water can be further synthesized into various organic compounds, such as synthetic rubber, artificial resin, acetone, ketene, and carbon black. Moreover, the acetylene - oxygen flame plays a significant role in the welding and cutting of metals. Calcium carbide can also react with nitrogen to form calcium cyanamide, which is used in the gold - mining and non - ferrous metals industries. Meanwhile, calcium carbide itself is often used as a desulfurizer in the steel industry.