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Compounds of Calcium

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Compounds of Calcium

Uploaded by

joejimchibuzor
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COMPOUNDS OF CALCIUM

1. Calcium oxide - CaO :

CaO, also known as lime or more specifically quicklime, is a white or grayish white solid produced in
large quantities by roasting calcium carbonate so as to drive off carbon dioxide. At room temperature,
CaO will spontaneously absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reversing the reaction. It will also
absorb water, converting itself into calcium hydroxide and releasing heat in the process.

Large amount of CaO is used in the production of calcium carbide, CaC2, Colourless when pure this solid
decomposes in water, forming flammable acetylene gas( used for welding) and calcium hydroxide,
Ca(OH)2.

2. Calcium hydroxide- Ca(OH)2

Ca(OH)2, also called slaked lime, it is obtained by the action of water on CaO. When mixed with water, a
small proportion of it dissolves, forming a solution known as limewater, the rest remaining as a
suspension called milk of lime. Ca(OH)2 is used as an industrial alkali and as a constituent of mortars,
plasters, and cement. It is used as a flocculant in sewage treatment.

3. Calcium chloride, CaCl2

CaCl2, a colourless or white solid produced in large quantities either as a by-product of the manufacture
of sodium carbonate by the Solvay process or by the action of hydrochloric acid on calcium carbonate.
The anhydrous solid is used as a drying agent and for dust and ice control on roads. Calcium
hypochlorite, Ca(ClO2), widely used as bleaching powder, is produced by the action of chlorine on
calcium hydroxide

4. Calcium carbonate, CaCO3,

The most important calcium compound is CaCO3 , the major constituent of limestone, marble, chalk,
oyster shells, and corals, stalactites, stalagmites, and the shells of many marine animals. Calcium
carbonate obtained from its natural sources is used as a filler in a variety of products, such as ceramics,
glass, plastics, and paint.

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