The
Frank–Caro process, also called
cyanamide process, is the
nitrogen fixation reaction of
calcium carbide with
nitrogen gas in a reactor vessel at about 1,000°C. The reaction is
exothermic and self-sustaining once the reaction temperature is reached. Originally the reaction took place in large steel cylinders with an electrical resistance element providing initial heat to start the reaction. Modern production uses rotating ovens. The synthesis produces a solid mixture of
calcium cyanamide (CaCN
2) and
carbon.
- CaC2 + N2 → CaCN2 + C