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Slaked lime, also known as hydrated lime or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), is a chemical compound derived from quicklime (calcium oxide) by adding water. It is an inorganic compound with a white, powdery appearance and a slightly bitter taste. The process of combining quicklime with water is called “slaking,” hence the name “slaked lime.”
Structure of Slaked Lime or Calcium Hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)2. It is a white solid that is soluble in water. It is produced when calcium oxide (lime) is mixed with water.
Slaked lime is a compound of calcium oxide and water. When lime is mixed with water, a chemical reaction called slaking occurs. The calcium oxide combines with the water to form calcium hydroxide. Slaked lime is used in many industrial and construction applications.
Preparation of Calcium Hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide is a white solid that is commonly used in the preparation of other compounds. It can be prepared by the reaction of calcium oxide with water:
CaO (s) + H2O (l) → Ca(OH)2 (s)
Properties of Calcium Hydroxide
- Calcium hydroxide is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water.
- It is highly reactive and can react with acids to form calcium acetate and water.
- It is used in the production of mortar and plaster, and as a neutralizing agent in various industries.
Uses of Calcium Hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide is used in a variety of ways.
- It is most commonly used as a building material, as it is a strong base and can help to stabilize soils.
- It is also used in mortars and cements, as well as in the production of plaster, whitewash, and other building materials.
- Calcium hydroxide is also used in the production of food additives, such as calcium propionate, and in the production of pharmaceuticals.
Applications of Slaked Lime
Slaked lime has various applications across different industries:
- Construction: It is commonly used in construction and building materials as a mortar for masonry work, plastering, and whitewashing walls.
- Water Treatment: Slaked lime is used in water treatment processes to adjust the pH levels and remove impurities from water.
- Agriculture: It is applied in agriculture as a soil conditioner to improve soil structure and neutralize acidic soils.
- Chemical Industry: Slaked lime is used in various chemical processes, such as in the manufacturing of paper, leather, and chemicals.
- Food Industry: It is occasionally used in food preparation, particularly in pickling and for adjusting the pH in certain culinary processes.
Related Links
| Calcium Hydroxide Formula |
| Important Topic: Limestone |
| Calcium oxide Formula |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Slaked Lime
What is slaked lime?
Slaked lime, also known as hydrated lime or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), is a chemical compound formed by adding water to quicklime (calcium oxide).
What does slaked lime look like?
Slaked lime has a white, powdery appearance and a slightly bitter taste.
What are the uses of slaked lime?
Slaked lime finds applications in construction as mortar, water treatment, agriculture as a soil conditioner, chemical industry, and occasionally in the food industry.
How is slaked lime used in construction?
In construction, slaked lime is used for masonry work, plastering walls, and whitewashing surfaces.
What is the role of slaked lime in water treatment?
Slaked lime is used in water treatment processes to adjust pH levels and remove impurities from water.
Is slaked lime safe to handle?
While slaked lime has various practical applications, it is important to handle it with care as it can cause skin and eye irritation due to its alkaline nature.
Can slaked lime be used in agriculture?
Yes, slaked lime is used in agriculture as a soil conditioner to improve soil structure and neutralize acidic soils.
Is slaked lime used in the food industry?
Slaked lime is occasionally used in the food industry, particularly in pickling and for adjusting pH levels in certain culinary processes.
Can slaked lime be used for chemical processes?
Yes, slaked lime is used in various chemical processes, such as in the manufacturing of paper, leather, and chemicals.
