Castner
Castner :
(1) A process for making graphite articles, invented by H. Y. Castner in 1893. It uses lengthwise graphitization, unlike the Acheson process, which uses transverse graphitization. (2) A process for making sodium cyanide. Sodamide is first made by passing ammonia gas over molten sodium. The molten sodamide is then poured over red-hot charcoal, which converts it first to sodium cyanamide and then to sodium cyanide: 2Na + 2NH3 + 2NaNH2 + H2 → 2NaNH2 + C + Na2CN2 + 2H2 and Na2CN2 + C + 2NaCN. (3) A process for making sodium by reducing sodium hydroxide with iron carbide: 6NaOH + FeC2 + 2Na + 2Na2CO3 + 3H2 + Fe. (4) A process for making sodium by electrolyzing fused sodium hydroxide. Used in the United Kingdom from the early 1900s until 1952. (Check source for accuracy of chemical formula)
