Calcium Hydroxide

Definition

Calcium hydroxide, also known as slaked lime, is a chemical compound with the formula Ca(OH)2. It is a white, crystalline solid that is produced by the reaction of calcium oxide (quicklime) with water. Calcium hydroxide is an important compound in the context of chemical reactions and their classification.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Calcium hydroxide is a strong base and can be used to neutralize acids, forming a salt and water.
2. The reaction between calcium hydroxide and an acid is an example of an acid-base reaction.
3. Calcium hydroxide can react with carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate, which is a precipitation reaction.
4. Calcium hydroxide is used in a variety of applications, including water treatment, construction materials, and as a pH adjuster.
5. The thermal decomposition of calcium hydroxide can be used to produce calcium oxide, which is then used to produce more calcium hydroxide.

Review Questions

• Explain how the acid-base properties of calcium hydroxide make it useful in chemical reactions.
  • As a strong base, calcium hydroxide can neutralize acids in an acid-base reaction, forming a salt and water. This property makes it useful in various applications, such as water treatment, where it can be used to adjust the pH of water by neutralizing acidic compounds. Additionally, the ability of calcium hydroxide to react with carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate, a precipitation reaction, allows it to be used in construction materials and as a pH adjuster.
• Describe the relationship between calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide, and how their interconversion can be used in chemical processes.
  • Calcium oxide (quicklime) and calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) are closely related compounds. Calcium oxide can be produced by the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate, and calcium hydroxide can then be produced by the reaction of calcium oxide with water. This interconversion between calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide can be used in various chemical processes, such as the production of calcium hydroxide for use in water treatment or the production of calcium oxide for use in the manufacture of construction materials.
• Analyze the role of calcium hydroxide in the classification of chemical reactions, specifically in the context of acid-base reactions and precipitation reactions.
  • Calcium hydroxide plays a significant role in the classification of chemical reactions due to its acid-base and precipitation properties. In acid-base reactions, calcium hydroxide, as a strong base, can neutralize acids to form salts and water, which is an important reaction type. Additionally, the reaction of calcium hydroxide with carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate is an example of a precipitation reaction, where a solid product is formed from the reaction of two aqueous solutions. Understanding the behavior of calcium hydroxide in these different types of chemical reactions is crucial for classifying and predicting the outcomes of various chemical processes.

Related terms

Calcium Oxide: Calcium oxide, also known as quicklime, is a chemical compound with the formula CaO. It is a white, caustic, alkaline, crystalline solid that is produced by the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate.

Acid-Base Reaction: An acid-base reaction is a type of chemical reaction that involves the transfer of hydrogen ions (H+) between an acid and a base, resulting in the formation of a salt and water.

Precipitation Reaction: A precipitation reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which a solid product (precipitate) is formed from the reaction of two or more aqueous solutions.