What is Copper(I) acetylide?
'''Copper(I) acetylide''', also known as '''cuprous acetylide''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is Cu<sub>2</sub>C<sub>2</sub>. It contains [[copper]] in its +1 [[oxidation state]]. It also contains [[acetylide]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== Copper(I) acetylide is a reddish solid. It is an [[explosive]]. It is a strange explosive because it does not release gas. When it [[detonation|detonates]], it only releases copper and [[carbon]]. It can be formed inside copper pipes where [[acetylene]] flows through. It explodes because the acetylide is a reducing agent and the copper(I) is an oxidizing agent. ==Preparation== It is made by reacting [[copper(I) chloride]] dissolved in [[ammonia]] with acetylene. [[Hydrochloric acid]] and copper(I) acetylide is made. This reaction is used to test for acetylene. ==Uses== It is used in [[organic chemistry]]. It is a very sensitive explosive, too sensitive to be used. ==Related pages== *[[Copper(I) oxide]] *[[Copper(II) oxide]] [[Category:Copper compounds]] {{chem-stub}}