carbide

Compound of carbon and one other chemical element, usually a metal, silicon, or boron.

Calcium carbide (CaC₂) can be used as the starting material for many basic organic chemical syntheses, by the addition of water and generation of ethyne (acetylene). Some metallic carbides are used in engineering because of their extreme hardness and strength. Tungsten carbide is an essential ingredient of carbide tools and high-speed tools. The ‘carbide process’ was used during World War II to make organic chemicals from coal rather than from oil.