Calcium nitrate: Difference between revisions
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'''Calcium | {{Short description|A chemical compound used in various applications}} | ||
{{Chemical compound}} | |||
'''Calcium nitrate''', also known as '''Norgessalpeter''', is an inorganic compound with the formula Ca(NO_)_. This colorless salt absorbs moisture from the air and is commonly found as a tetrahydrate. It is mainly used as a component in fertilizers but also has applications in wastewater treatment and concrete production. | |||
==Chemical Properties== | ==Chemical Properties== | ||
Calcium nitrate is a | Calcium nitrate is a highly soluble compound in water and alcohol. It is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the environment. The compound is typically encountered as a tetrahydrate, Ca(NO_)_·4H_O. | ||
===Structure=== | |||
The anhydrous form of calcium nitrate is a crystalline solid. In its hydrated form, the compound forms monoclinic crystals. The calcium ions are coordinated by the nitrate ions in a typical ionic lattice structure. | |||
==Production== | ==Production== | ||
Calcium nitrate is produced by | Calcium nitrate is produced by treating [[limestone]] with [[nitric acid]]: | ||
: CaCO_ + 2 HNO_ _ Ca(NO_)_ + CO_ + H_O | |||
It can also be produced as a byproduct of the [[Haber process]] for [[ammonia]] production, where [[ammonium nitrate]] is reacted with [[calcium hydroxide]]: | |||
: 2 NH_NO_ + Ca(OH)_ _ Ca(NO_)_ + 2 NH_ + 2 H_O | |||
==Applications== | |||
===Fertilizer=== | |||
Calcium nitrate is widely used as a fertilizer, providing both calcium and nitrogen to plants. It is especially beneficial for crops that require high levels of calcium, such as [[tomatoes]] and [[peppers]]. The compound is often used in [[hydroponics]] and soil-less cultivation systems. | |||
== | ===Wastewater Treatment=== | ||
In wastewater treatment, calcium nitrate is used to prevent the formation of [[hydrogen sulfide]], a toxic and odorous gas. It does this by promoting the growth of bacteria that oxidize sulfides to sulfates, thus reducing the emission of hydrogen sulfide. | |||
In | |||
=== | ===Concrete Production=== | ||
Calcium nitrate is used in | Calcium nitrate is used as a set accelerator in concrete, especially in cold weather conditions. It helps in the rapid setting of concrete by accelerating the hydration of [[cement]]. | ||
== | ==Safety and Handling== | ||
Calcium nitrate is generally considered safe to handle, but it should be stored in a dry environment to prevent it from absorbing moisture. It can cause irritation to the skin and eyes upon contact, and inhalation of dust should be avoided. | |||
== | ==Gallery== | ||
Calcium nitrate | [[File:Calcium nitrate.jpg|thumb|right|Calcium nitrate crystals]] | ||
[[File:Calcium nitrate solution.jpg|thumb|left|Calcium nitrate in solution]] | |||
== | ==Related pages== | ||
* [[Calcium chloride]] | |||
* [[Ammonium nitrate]] | * [[Ammonium nitrate]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Nitric acid]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Fertilizer]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Calcium compounds]] | ||
[[Category:Nitrates]] | [[Category:Nitrates]] | ||
[[Category:Fertilizers]] | [[Category:Fertilizers]] | ||
Revision as of 17:33, 18 February 2025
A chemical compound used in various applications
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This chemical compound related article is a stub.
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Calcium nitrate, also known as Norgessalpeter, is an inorganic compound with the formula Ca(NO_)_. This colorless salt absorbs moisture from the air and is commonly found as a tetrahydrate. It is mainly used as a component in fertilizers but also has applications in wastewater treatment and concrete production.
Chemical Properties
Calcium nitrate is a highly soluble compound in water and alcohol. It is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the environment. The compound is typically encountered as a tetrahydrate, Ca(NO_)_·4H_O.
Structure
The anhydrous form of calcium nitrate is a crystalline solid. In its hydrated form, the compound forms monoclinic crystals. The calcium ions are coordinated by the nitrate ions in a typical ionic lattice structure.
Production
Calcium nitrate is produced by treating limestone with nitric acid:
- CaCO_ + 2 HNO_ _ Ca(NO_)_ + CO_ + H_O
It can also be produced as a byproduct of the Haber process for ammonia production, where ammonium nitrate is reacted with calcium hydroxide:
- 2 NH_NO_ + Ca(OH)_ _ Ca(NO_)_ + 2 NH_ + 2 H_O
Applications
Fertilizer
Calcium nitrate is widely used as a fertilizer, providing both calcium and nitrogen to plants. It is especially beneficial for crops that require high levels of calcium, such as tomatoes and peppers. The compound is often used in hydroponics and soil-less cultivation systems.
Wastewater Treatment
In wastewater treatment, calcium nitrate is used to prevent the formation of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic and odorous gas. It does this by promoting the growth of bacteria that oxidize sulfides to sulfates, thus reducing the emission of hydrogen sulfide.
Concrete Production
Calcium nitrate is used as a set accelerator in concrete, especially in cold weather conditions. It helps in the rapid setting of concrete by accelerating the hydration of cement.
Safety and Handling
Calcium nitrate is generally considered safe to handle, but it should be stored in a dry environment to prevent it from absorbing moisture. It can cause irritation to the skin and eyes upon contact, and inhalation of dust should be avoided.
