Calcium Hydroxide: A Secret Ingredient in Many of Your Favorite Products

Introduction: What is Calcium Hydroxide?

Calcium hydroxide, slaked or hydrated lime, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)₂. Calcium hydroxide has many names, including builders’ lime, caustic lime, slaked lime, cal, and pickling lime. It is used in various applications, including food preparation, where it has been identified as E number E526.

Calcium Hydroxide adopts a polymeric structure similar to magnesium hydroxide (brucite structure). The compound has two hydroxide ions (OH^–) for each ion of calcium (Ca2⁺).

The compound’s density is approximately 2.211 g/cm³ in solid form. It has a melting point of 580 °C (1,076 °F; 853 K), at which it loses water and decomposes. 

Chemical Properties of Calcium Hydroxide

• Chemical Formula: Ca(OH)₂.
• Synonyms: It is also known as slaked lime or hydrated lime. Other names include builders’ lime, caustic lime, slaked lime, cal, and pickling lime.
• Structure: It adopts a polymeric structure similar to magnesium hydroxide (brucite structure).
• Density: The density of calcium hydroxide in solid form is approximately 2.211 g/cm³.
• Solubility in Solvents: Calcium hydroxide is soluble in glycerol and acids but insoluble in ethanol.

Physical Properties of Calcium Hydroxide

• Appearance: Calcium Hydroxide is a white powder or colorless crystal.
• Crystal Structure: Calcium Hydroxide has a hexagonal crystal structure.
• Melting Point: Calcium Hydroxide has a melting point of 853 K (580 °C; 1076 °F).
• Solubility: Calcium Hydroxide is poorly soluble in water, with solubility increasing from 0.66 g/L at 100 °C to 1.89 g/L at 0 °C. It is soluble in glycerol and acids but insoluble in ethanol.

Uses of Calcium Hydroxide

Construction Industry: Calcium hydroxide is a significant component of cement, plaster, and mortar for bricks and stones. It is combined with water and sand to make a slurry that resembles a paste. The sand and calcium hydroxide left behind when the water evaporates combine to create a potent adhesive that keeps the bricks or stones together.

Neutralizing Chemical: Calcium Hydroxide is used as a neutralizing chemical, as it reacts with acids to create water and salt in a double displacement reaction. In streams, this neutralization might take place to lessen the impacts of acid rain or in farm soils to aid plant development. Additionally, it is added to foods to keep them from being overly acidic.

Industrial Scrubbers: One of the various chemicals used in industrial scrubbers to remove nitrogen and sulfur oxides from exhaust fumes, a consequence of numerous industrial operations, is calcium oxide. The removal of these oxides decreases industrial emissions, which develop acid rain.

Pesticides: Calcium Hydroxide is used in the manufacturing of some pesticides.

Paints and Waterproofing Materials: Calcium Hydroxide is used to produce colors and waterproofing materials.

Additive to Oils and Lubricants: Calcium Hydroxide is an additive to oils and lubricants to improve their flowability.

Rubber and Plastics Production: The manufacturing of rubber and polymers is accelerated by calcium hydroxide.

Safety

Ingestion: Food-grade calcium hydroxide is generally safe for consumption. However, ingesting industrial-grade calcium hydroxide can result in calcium hydroxide poisoning, which can lead to severe injury or death.

Irritation: Calcium hydroxide can irritate the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory system. It may also cause burns and skin vesiculation.

Incompatibilities: Calcium hydroxide can react with certain substances such as maleic anhydride, phosphorus, nitroethane, nitromethane, nitroparaffins, and nitropropane. It may also attack some metals.

Exposure Routes: Exposure to calcium hydroxide can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and skin or eye contact.

Safety Precautions: It is important to prevent skin and eye contact when working with calcium hydroxide. In case of contact, immediate irrigation or flushing is recommended. Adequate respiratory support should be provided in case of breathing difficulties. Medical attention should be sought in case of ingestion.

Conclusion

Calcium hydroxide is a chameleon. It can be different things to different people. To a construction worker, it is a strong and durable material that can be used to build bridges and buildings. To a food scientist, it is a versatile ingredient used to make everything from tortillas to toothpaste. And to a chemist, it is a fascinating compound with many interesting properties.

But no matter what role it is playing, calcium hydroxide is always one thing: useful. It is a compound that we rely on for many things in our everyday lives.

Sarchem Labs is a company helping make calcium hydroxide even more helpful. Sarchem Labs is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality calcium hydroxide products. The company offers a wide range of products to meet the needs of various industries, and Sarchem Labs is committed to providing its customers with the best possible products and services.

So next time you see a building, eat a tortilla or brush your teeth, take a moment to appreciate the humble calcium hydroxide.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are looking to buy Calcium Hydroxide, then you may check out our product.

Calcium Hydroxide | 1305-62-0

Synonym: calcium hydroxide, slaked lime, hydrated lime, calcium dihydroxide, calcium ii hydroxide, calcium oxide, hydrated, kalziumhydroxid, loeschkalk, pickling lime, calciumdihydroxid.Solubility Information: Solubility in water: 1.65g/L (20°C). Other solubilities: soluble in acids (evolution of heat) and nh4cl sol, soluble in glycerol and sugar, insoluble in alcohol.