Calcium carbide and its recent advances in biomass conversion

Calcium carbide (CaC2) is a sustainable source of acetylene which plays an important role in organic synthesis due to its active triple bonds and terminal protons. Solid CaC2 has several advantages over acetylene gas such as easy handling, convenient storage and transportation. The CaC2 is considered as a safer and more convenient source of acetylene. The chemistry of the CaC2 is not confined to its use as a source of acetylene and its applications are not limited to the known reactions of acetylene. With the CaC2 chemistry being actively developing recently, it may eventually lead to the development of new transformations of alkyne chemistry. Herein, this mini review is focused on the synthesis and application of the CaC2 in biomass transformations.