Calcium hydroxide and calcium oxide are both chemical compounds that contain calcium. Both of these compounds are known to be ionic in nature (since they both contain calcium ions that have a charge of +2). Some important properties and applications of calcium hydroxide and calcium oxide are provided in this article.
Calcium Hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide is an inorganic chemical compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)2. In the molecules of this compound, there exists one calcium cation with a charge of +2 along with two hydroxide ions, each carrying a charge of -1. It can be noted that calcium hydroxide is also called slaked lime. Under standard conditions for temperature and pressure (often abbreviated to STP), calcium hydroxide is known to exist in the form of colorless crystals or as a powdery substance that is white in color. The easiest way to prepare calcium hydroxide is by mixing (or slaking) calcium oxide with water. Other common names that are used to refer to calcium hydroxide include caustic lime, hydrated lime, slack lime, builder’s lime, pickling lime, and cal. It can also be noted that a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide in water is commonly referred to as limewater. Some properties and applications of this chemical compound are listed below.
- The molar mass of calcium hydroxide is known to be equal to 74.093 grams per mole.
- At STP, this compound exists as a white powder which does not have any characteristic odor.
- The density of calcium hydroxide is known to be equal to 2.211 grams per cubic centimeters.
- The melting point of this chemical compound is roughly equal to 580 degrees Celsius. However, it is important to note that calcium hydroxide begins to lose water and decompose at this temperature gradient.
- This compound is not very soluble in water. The solubility of calcium hydroxide in water at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius is equal to 0.66 grams per liter.
- Calcium hydroxide can be used as a flocculant in the treatment of wastewater.
Calcium Oxide
Calcium oxide is a chemical compound whose chemical formula is given by CaO. This compound is also referred to as quicklime or burnt lime. Under standard conditions for temperature and pressure, this compound is known to exist as a crystalline solid that exhibits alkaline and caustic properties. Some important properties and applications of this compound are listed below.
- The molar mass of calcium oxide is known to be equal to 56.0774 grams per mole.
- Under STP, this compound is known to exist as a powdery substance whose color may range from white to pale yellow to brown. It can be noted that this compound does not have any characteristic odor associated with it.
- The density associated with calcium oxide is roughly equal to 3.34 grams per cubic centimeter.
- The primary application of this compound lies in the process of basic oxygen steelmaking (often abbreviated to BOS).
Another vital application of calcium oxide is in the preparation of aerated
