Calcium hydroxide

Calcium Hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)2. It is a colorless crystal or white powder and is obtained when calcium oxide (also called quicklime) is mixed, or "slaked" with water. It has many names including hydrated lime, caustic lime, builders' lime, slack lime, cal, or pickling lime. Calcium hydroxide is used in many applications, including food preparation, where it is an ingredient in the process of making corn tortillas.

Chemical Properties

Calcium hydroxide is a soft white powdery substance with a slight earthy smell and an alkaline taste. It is insoluble in alcohol but slightly soluble in water to give a solution known as lime water. When heated to 512°C, the partial pressure of water in equilibrium with calcium hydroxide reaches 101 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure), which decomposes calcium hydroxide into calcium oxide and water.

Uses

Calcium hydroxide has a wide variety of uses, including as a pH modifier in industrial wastewater control and as a reagent in flue gas desulfurization. It is also used in the production of mortar that is used in construction and maintenance of buildings. In food preparation, it is used in the process of making corn tortillas, and in the process of making sugar from sugar beets.

Safety

Calcium hydroxide is not considered very toxic. However, prolonged contact with skin or eyes can cause severe irritation. If swallowed, it can cause severe digestive discomfort. It is always recommended to handle calcium hydroxide with appropriate safety equipment.

See Also

• Lime (material)
• Calcium oxide
• Lime water

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Calcium_hydroxide

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  Scanning electron microscope image of calcium hydroxide
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  Nixtamalized corn, a process involving calcium hydroxide
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  Sculpture casting, possibly related to calcium hydroxide in the casting process