Calcium cyanamide

Calcium cyanamide (CAS 156-62-7), commercially known as nitrolime or lime nitrogen, is a nitrogen-containing inorganic compound used as a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and soil-conditioning agent in agriculture. In industrial contexts, it functions as a chemical intermediate and biocidal agent across several processing applications. In agriculture, it is applied directly to soil as a combined fertilizer and herbicide.

The compound releases nitrogen gradually while suppressing weeds, moss, and certain soil-borne pathogens, reducing the need for separate crop protection treatments. The steel and metallurgical industries use calcium carbimide as a desulfurization agent. In iron and steel production, it reacts with sulfur impurities in molten metal to improve final product quality. It also serves as a precursor in the synthesis of dicyandiamide and other nitrogen-based chemicals.

These chemicals are used in resin and flame retardant manufacturing. In mining operations, it is used as a flotation reagent to selectively depress certain sulfide minerals during ore separation processes. Calcium cyanamide is supplied as a granular or powdered solid, typically with a dark grey appearance due to carbon content from the production process. Standard commercial grades include technical-grade material.

Nitrogen content specifications commonly range around 19–21% N. Agricultural-grade formulations are available with added granulation for controlled soil application to ensure consistent nutrient delivery.