Basic information
- Standard SMILES
[C-]#[Si+]- InChIKey
HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N- Molecular formula
- CSi
- Average molar mass
- 40.096 g/mol
- Monoisotopic mass
- 39.97692653
Overview
Silicon carbide appears as yellow to green to bluish-black, iridescent crystals. Sublimes with decomposition at 2700 °C. Density 3.21 g cm-3. Insoluble in water. Soluble in molten alkalis (NaOH, KOH) and molten iron.
Names & identifiers
- Preferred name
- Silicon carbide
- IUPAC
- methanidylidynesilanylium
- English name
- Silicon carbide
- Molecular formula
- CSi
- Molecular weight
- 40.1
Names & synonyms
Show more names
Database identifiers
- CAS
409-21-2- PubChem CID
- 9863
- DTXSID
DTXSID5052751- ChEBI
CHEBI:29390- EC Number
- 206-991-8
- Nikkaji
- J1.627.380E
Properties
Computed structural properties
- Topological polar surface area
- 0 Ų
- Hydrogen bond donors
- 0
- Hydrogen bond acceptors
- 1
- Rotatable bonds
- 0
- Heavy atoms
- 2
- Formal charge
- 0
- Complexity
- 10
Experimental & physicochemical properties
Density
3.23 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink
3.23
3.2 g/cm³
3.23
3.16 @25 °C
3.23
Color/Form
EXCEEDINGLY HARD, GREEN TO BLUISH-BLACK, IRIDESCENT, SHARP CRYSTALS
HEXAGONAL OR CUBIC
Yellow to green to bluish black, iridescent crystals.
Solubility
Insoluble (NIOSH, 2024)
INSOL IN COLD WATER, HOT WATER, & ACID; SOL IN FUSED POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
INSOL IN ALCOHOL; SOL IN MOLTEN IRON
Solubility in water: none
Insoluble
Boiling Point
Sublimes (NIOSH, 2024)
sublimes
Sublimes
Melting Point
4892 °F (Sublimes) (NIOSH, 2024)
2600 °C
4892 °F (sublimes)
2830 °C
4892 °F (Sublimes)
Vapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx) (NIOSH, 2024)
0 mmHg (approx)
0 mmHg (approx)
Ionization Potential
9.30 eV
9.30 eV
Physical Description
Silicon carbide appears as yellow to green to bluish-black, iridescent crystals. Sublimes with decomposition at 2700 °C. Density 3.21 g cm-3. Insoluble in water. Soluble in molten alkalis (NaOH, KOH) and molten iron.
Dry Powder; Wet Solid; CBI; Large Crystals; Other Solid; Dry Powder; Liquid
Yellow to green to bluish-black, iridescent crystals; [NIOSH]
YELLOW-TO-GREEN-TO-BLUE-TO-BLACK CRYSTALS, DEPENDING ON PURITY.
Yellow to green to bluish-black, iridescent crystals.
Yellow to green to bluish-black, iridescent crystals.
Other Experimental Properties
DIELECTRIC CONSTANT: 7.0; HARDNESS: 9.5; ELECTRON MOBILITY: GREATER THAN 100 SQ CM/VOLT-SEC; HOLE MOBILITY: GREATER THAN 20 SQ CM/VOLT-SEC; BAND GAP ENERGY: 2.8 ELECTRON-VOLTS
SUBLIMES WITH DECOMPOSITION AT 2700 °C
EXCELLENT THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY; ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE; RESISTS OXIDATION AT HIGHER TEMPERATURES
Physicochemical properties
- Melting point
- 2700 °C · 2700 °C (lit.)
- Density
- 3.22 g/mL · 3.22 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
- bulk density
- 0.069 g/cm3 · 0.069g/cm3
- refractive index
- 2.65 · 2.6500
- solubility
- Soluble in molten sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and in molten iron.
- form
- nanopowder
- color
- Green
- Specific Gravity
- 3.22 · 3.22
- Resistivity
- 107 · 107–200 (ρ/μΩ.cm)
- Water Solubility
- Soluble in molten alkalis (NaOH, KOH) and molten iron. Insoluble in water.
- Specific Heat Capacity
- 0.67 J/ · Cp(crystal): 0.67 J/(g·K), at 25℃
- Thermal Conductivity
- 0.69 W/ · 0.69 W/(m·K)
- Crystal Structure
- Cubic, Sphalerite Structure - Space Group F(-4)3m
- Hydrolytic Sensitivity
- 1 · 1: no significant reaction with aqueous systems
- Merck
- 14 · 14,8492
- Exposure limits
- 0.1 f/cc,respirable · ACGIH:TLV-TWA 0.1 f/cc,respirable fibers*OSHA:PEL-TWA 15 mg/m3 (total dust),5 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)NIOSH:REL-TWA 10 mg/m3 (total dust),5 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)
- Stability
- Stability
- Cosmetics Ingredients Functions
- ABRASIVE
- InChI
- 1S/CSi/c1-2
- InChIKey
- HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- SMILES
- [C-]#[Si+]
- Modulus of Elasticity
- 459 · 459 - 476 GPa
- Knoop Microhardness
- 3000 · 3000, at 25°C
- Poissons Ratio
- 0.14 · 0.14, sintered
- Shear Modulus
- 180 GPa, · 180 GPa, Calculated
- EWG's Food Scores
- 3 · 3
- FDA UNII
- 6 E537EW · WXQ6E537EW
- IARC
- 2 A · 2A (Vol. 111) 2017
- NIST Chemistry Reference
- Silicon monocarbide(409-21-2)
- EPA Substance Registry System
- Silicon carbide (409-21-2)
- UNSPSC Code
- 12352309 · 12352309
- NACRES
- 23 · NA.23
- Symbol(GHS)
- 8 · GHS08
- Signal word
- Danger
- Hazard statements
- 350 i · H350i
- Precautionary statements
- 201 · P201-P202-P280-P308+P313-P405-P501
- PPE
- 95 · dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves
- Hazard Codes
- Xi
- Risk Statements
- 36 · 36/37/38
- Safety Statements
- 26 · 26-36
- OEB
- B
- OEL
- 10 mg/m3 · TWA: 10 mg/m3 (total)
- WGK Germany
- 3 · 3
- RTECS
- 450000 · VW0450000
- TSCA
- TSCA listed
- HS Code
- 28492000 · 28492000
- Storage Class
- 11 · 11 - Combustible Solids
- Hazardous Substances Data
- 409 · 409-21-2(Hazardous Substances Data)
- REACH Registrations
- Active
Safety & regulation
GHS classification
GHS Classification
Danger
H350i: May cause cancer by inhalation [Danger Carcinogenicity]
P203, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)
This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 70.3% (740 of 1053) of all reports.
Danger
H350i (16.6%): May cause cancer by inhalation [Danger Carcinogenicity]
Hazard information
Regulatory Information
Chemical: Silicon carbide (SiC)
Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity
Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity
Silicon carbide (SiC) is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Silicon carbide (SiC) are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)
Status: Active Update: 08-05-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/15540
Silicon carbide: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard
Hazards Summary
Production workers loading and unloading furnaces are exposed to carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, crystalline silica, and fibrous and nonfibrous silicon carbide particles. [Rom, p. 534-5] Workers in production and manufacturing, e.g., abrasive products industry, are exposed to varying quantities of fibers (or whiskers) that have dimensions similar to amphibole asbestos fibers. Nonfibrous particles have low to very low toxic effects on lung tissue. Silicon carbide fibers, on the other hand, can cause lung fibrosis, lung cancer, and possibly mesothelioma. Silicon carbide fibers should be counted and controlled in the same manner as asbestos fibers. [ACGIH] Occupational exposures associated with the Acheson process are carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). Fibrous silicon carbide is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Silicon carbide whiskers are probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A). [IARC Vol. 111] See the agent, Acheson process, occupational exposure.
OSHA Standards
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 15 mg/cu m. /Total dust/
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 5 mg/cu m. /Respirable fraction/
Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 10 mg/cu m is still enforced in some states. /Total/
Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 5 mg/cu m is still enforced in some states. /Resp/
Safety & protection
First Aid Measures
Fresh air, rest.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
First Aid
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Silicon carbide:
(General first aid procedures)
Exposure Control and Personal Protection
TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].
Threshold Limit Values (TLV)
10.0 [mg/m3], (inhalable particulate matter), 3 mg/m3 (respirable fraction) [nonfibrous forms], 0.1 respirable fibers/cc [fibrous forms]
8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 10 mg/cu m. /Nonfibrous silicon carbide; inhalable fraction; particulate matter containing no asbestos & <1% crystalline silica/
Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded. /Nonfibrous and fibrous (incl whiskers) forms of silicon carbide/
8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 3 mg/cu m. /Nonfibrous silicon carbide; respirable fraction; particulate matter containing no asbestos & <1% crystalline silica/
8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.1 fibers/cc. /Respirable fibers: length > 5 um; aspect ratio greater than or equal to 3:1, as determined by the membrane filter method at 400-450X magnification (4-mm objective), using phase-contrast illumination; fibrous forms of silicon carbide (incl whiskers)/
A2; Suspected human carcinogen. /fibrous forms of silicon carbide (incl whiskers)/
Toxicology
Signs and Symptoms
Cough.
Redness. Pain.
irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; cough
Human Toxicity Excerpts
SLIGHT RADIOGRAPHIC CHANGES /OCCURRED/ IN 10 OF 32 WORKERS EXPOSED ... TO SILICON CARBIDE. MOST ... HAD WORKED FOR 15 YR OR MORE IN DUSTY ATMOSPHERES WITH AVG DUST COUNT OF 1200 PARTICLES/CC (34 MPPCF) & AVG PARTICLE DIAMETER OF 1 MICRON. ALL CASES WERE TUBERCULIN POS. THOSE PRESENTING PULMONARY CHANGES HAD ... SLIGHT RESP SYMPTOMS.
ACUTE LOCAL: INHALATION 1; IRRITANT 1. CHRONIC LOCAL: INHALATION 1. 1= SLIGHT: CAUSES READILY REVERSIBLE CHANGES WHICH DISAPPEAR AFTER END OF EXPOSURE.
Nuisance particulate (accumulation in lungs).
Silicon carbide can alter the course of inhalation tuberculosis leading to extensive fibrosis and progressive disease.
For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for SILICON CARBIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
Carcinogen Classification
Silicon carbide whiskers
Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans
Volume 111: (2017) Some Nanomaterials and Some Fibres
2017
2014
Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts
SILICON CARBIDE PRODUCED NO FIBROSIS OF LUNGS IN NORMAL EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS, BUT PROFOUNDLY ALTERED THE COURSE OF INHALATION TUBERCULOSIS, LEADING TO EXTENSIVE FIBROSIS & PROGRESSIVE DISEASE. ... INERT REACTION RESULTED WHEN SILICON CARBIDE WAS INJECTED IP IN GUINEA PIGS.
WOUNDING MOUSE SKIN BY STRIPPING WITH SILICON CARBIDE PAPER LED TO MARKED INDUCTION OF ORNITHINE DECARBOXYLASE ACTIVITY. ACTIVITY WAS MAX BETWEEN 20 & 26 HR AFTER WOUNDING, WITH SECONDARY RISE @ 72 HR.
Safety data
- OEB
- B
- OEL
- TWA: 10 mg/m3 (total)
- PPE
- dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves
- wgk
- 3
- tsca
- TSCA listed
- rtecs
- VW0450000
- hs_code
- 28492000
- risk_code
- 36/37/38
- Signal word
- Danger
- Symbol(GHS)
- GHS08
- hazard_code
- Xi
- safety_code
- 26-36
- Storage Class
- 11 - Combustible Solids
- Hazard statements
- H350i
- REACH Registrations
- Active
- Precautionary statements
- P201-P202-P280-P308+P313-P405-P501
- Hazardous Substances Data
- 409-21-2(Hazardous Substances Data)
Chemistry & industry
Pharmacology
Uses & manufacturing
Uses
Used as an abrasive and refractory material; Produced in furnaces containing petroleum coke and crystalline silica at a temperature of >2200 degrees C for 36 hours; [ACGIH]
Abrasive Blasting [Category: Clean]
Polishing glass, granite; smoothing bisque ware; in sharpening stones; abrasive;manufacture /of/ porcelain, "emery" paper and wheels, shoe soles, refractory brick, furnace linings; antiskid pavements; in semiconductor technology.
COMPONENT OF TREADS & BRAKE LININGS; COMPONENT OF HEATING ELEMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL FURNACES; FIBERS IN MATERIALS TO RESIST HIGH RE-ENTRY TEMPS & ROCKET NOZZLE COMPOSITES; COMPONENT OF THERMISTORS & VARISTORS; STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS IN NUCLEAR REACTORS; DEOXIDANT IN FERROUS METALLURGY.
Abrasive for cutting and grinding metals, grinding wheels, refractory in non-ferrous metallurgy, ceramic industry and boiler furnaces, composite tubes for steam reforming operations. Fibrous form used in filament-wound structures and heat-resistant, high-strength composites.
U.S. Exports
(1972) 4.5X10+9 GRAMS
(1975) 5.79X10+8 GRAMS
U.S. Imports
(1972) 9.7X10+10 GRAMS (CRUDE & REFINED)
(1975) 7.73X10+10 GRAMS (CRUDE)
U.S. Production
2023: 5,000,000,000 - <10,000,000,000 lb
(1972) 1.49X10+11 GRAMS (CRUDE)
(1975) 1.22X10+11 GRAMS (CRUDE)
Methods of Manufacturing
REACTION OF SILICA SAND AND COKE OR ANTHRACITE COAL AT HIGH TEMPERATURES.
MADE BY HEATING COKE & SAND (& SALT AS FLUX) IN ELECTRIC FURNACE.
Use Classification
EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Processing Aids and Additives
Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern
General Manufacturing Information
Non-metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing (includes clay, glass, cement, concrete, lime, gypsum, and other non-metallic mineral product manufacturing)
Silicon carbide (SiC): ACTIVE
AVAILABLE FORMS: POWDER; FILAMENT; WHISKERS (3 MILLION PSI); SINGLE CRYSTALS.
LIQ WASTE OF NUCLEAR FUEL REPROCESSING CALCINED, PARTICLES OVERCOATED BY ALPHA-SILICON CARBIDE, GRAPHITE & FORMALDEHYDE-PHENOL RESIN, PRESSED, CARBONIZED & SINTERED FORMING BETA-SILICON CARBIDE MATRIX ENCLOSING WASTE.
Applications
UsesSilicon carbide (SiC), nearly as hard as diamonds, is used as an abrasive in grinding wheels and metal-cutting tools, for lining furnaces, and as a refractory in producing nonferrous metals.
DescriptionSilicon carbide is a hard covalently bonded material predominantly produced by the carbothermal reduction of silica. Silicon carbide is made by heating silica sand and petroleum coke packed around electrodes in an electric resistance furnace to above 2200°C. Depending on the exact reaction conditions the resulting silicon carbide is either a fine powder or a bonded mass that requires crushing and milling to produce a usable feedstock. This material is very resistant to abrasion and to corrosion with a molten slag. It also has excellent resistance to thermal spalling. However as it is a carbide, it will oxidise readily, silicon carbide has a fairly high conductivity. Several hundred structures of silicon carbide (polytypes) have been identified which have different stacking arrangements for the silicon and carbon atoms. The simplest structure is a diamond structure which is designated /3-SiC. Other structures are either hexagonal or rhombic and are referred to as a-SiC.
UsesManufacture of abrasives and refractories, brake linings, heating elements, and thermistors.
Uses▼▲ Industry Application Role/benefit Abrasive machining processes Processing of glass, ceramic, stone, refractory, hard alloy, etc. Abrasive and cutting tools/durability and low cost Electronic Light-emitting diodes Component/electroluminescence property Semiconductor devices Component/has wide forbidden band (2.86 EV) and p and n two conductive types Electric systems Gapped SiC lightning arresters Resistance/voltage-dependent property Sic switches and SiC Schottky diodes Raw material/anti high-temperature and high-voltage properties Ceramics Hard ceramics used for composite armor, bulletproof vests, etc. Raw material/low density and high strength Temperature ceramics Raw material/has high intensity at High temperature Astronomy Astronomical telescopes Mirror material/low thermal expansion coefficient, high hardness, rigidity and thermal conductivity Aerospace Gas filter and combustion chamber nozzle Raw material/anti high-temperature property Silicon carbide fibre Reinforcing of metal,resin,alloy,glass,etc. Reinforcing material/helps to improve all kinds of features Heat shield material, high temperature filter cloth and conveyor belt <di
UsesSilicon carbide is widely used as an abrasive in grinding and cutting glasses; in polishing glass and sharpening stones. It is used in the manufacture of porcelain, refractory brick, furnace linings, and emery paper. The compound also is used in semiconductor technology.
General DescriptionYellow to green to bluish-black, iridescent crystals. Sublimes with decomposition at 2700°C. Density 3.21 g cm-3. Insoluble in water. Soluble in molten alkalis (NaOH, KOH) and molten iron.
Preparation methods
PreparationSilicon carbide is prepared by fusing a mixture of silica (sand) and carbon (coke) with some salt and saw dust in an electric arc furnace at 3000°C. SiO2(Sand)+3C(Coke)--(3000℃)--Sic+2CO Salt and saw dust is added to infuse air into the product so that it can be broken into pieces easily. The product obtained is first washed with strong acid followed by strong base to remove basic and acidic impurities respectively. Finally, it is washed with water.
Upstream & downstream products
Upstream raw materials
Downstream products
Suppliers50 total
Additional notes
DefinitionBluish-black, iridescent crystals. Insoluble in water and alcohol; soluble in fused alkalies and molten iron. Excellent thermal conductivity, electrically conductive, resists oxida- tion at high temperatures. Noncombustible, a nui- sance particulate.
Related reactions
Linked notes
Loading…