Skip to main content

Aluminum carbide

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
Al4C3
CAS number
1299-86-1
IUPAC name
aluminum;carbanide
State
State

At room temperature, aluminum carbide is a solid. It is generally stable when dry but reacts readily with water to release methane gas.

Melting point (Celsius)
2 100.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
2 373.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
2 200.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
2 473.00
General information
Molecular weight
143.96g/mol
Molar mass
143.9580g/mol
Density
2.3600g/cm3
Appearence

Aluminum carbide appears as a pale yellow to brown crystalline solid. It is known to be a complex of aluminum and carbon, forming distinct crystals with characteristic metallic luster.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Aluminum Carbanide

Aluminum carbanide, represented by the formula Al2C3, exhibits unique solubility characteristics that are influenced by its structure and the nature of the components involved. Understanding the solubility of this compound is essential for various applications and reactions.

General Solubility Observations

Aluminum carbanide tends to show limited solubility in common solvents. Here are some key points:

  • Water: Aluminum carbanide is generally insoluble in water due to its ionic character and the lattice energy of the compound.
  • Organic Solvents: It shows variable solubility in organic solvents, often depending on the polarity of the solvent used. For instance:
    • Polar solvents may see slight solubility, while
    • Non-polar solvents typically exhibit low to no solubility.
  • Temperature Influence: The solubility can also be affected by temperature; in some cases, higher temperatures may enhance solubility in organic media.

In summary, while Al2C3 shows limitations in solubility, being aware of the type of solvent and environmental conditions can provide a clearer understanding of how it may behave in different chemical contexts.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Aluminum Carbanide

Aluminum carbanide is a fascinating compound that merges the properties of aluminum with carbides. Here are some intriguing facts about this compound:

  • Composition: Aluminum carbanide consists of aluminum and the carbanide ion, where carbon acts as a key component that contributes to the material's unique characteristics.
  • Applications: This compound is primarily researched for its potential applications in the field of materials science, particularly in creating advanced composites and ceramics.
  • Reactivity: As a carbide, aluminum carbanide can react with various acids, which can be harnessed for several chemical processes, including the production of hydrocarbons.
  • Transformation: The ability of the compound to transition into other carbides under certain conditions opens up avenues for exploration in the synthesis of multifunctional materials.
  • Structure: The unique arrangement of atoms within aluminum carbanide allows for intriguing electronic properties, potentially making it a candidate for applications in electronics and semiconductors.

Significance in Research

Researchers continue to examine the properties of aluminum carbanide to discover innovative ways to utilize it in various industrial sectors. The intersection of chemistry and materials science makes aluminum carbanide a compound of choice for those interested in the future of technology and environmental sustainability.

In summary, aluminum carbanide is more than just a simple compound; it is a bridge to advanced materials and applications that could shape future technologies.