Calcium Carbide (CaC₂) as a C₂-Synthon by Mechanochemistry

Mechanochemical reactions by ball milling have opened new avenues in chemical synthesis. Particularly, mechanochemistry has facilitated the reaction of insoluble materials to simplify stablished synthetic protocols and develop new ones. One notable application involves the use of calcium carbide (CaC₂) as a C₂-synthon through mechanochemistry, which has offered a more practical alternative to incorporate C₂-units compared to the conventional use of highly flammable gaseous acetylene. For example, by ball milling, the acetylenic anions [C₂]^2- found in CaC₂ have been harnessed for the synthesis of diverse functional carbon materials as well as discrete organic molecules. This Concept aims to contribute to the conceptualization of this innovative approach while highlighting both its advantages and the challenges inherent in the use of CaC₂.