Calcium Oxide

Calcium oxide, commonly known as quicklime or burnt lime, is a white, caustic, alkaline, crystalline solid. Calcium oxide is usually made by the thermal decomposition of materials containing calcium carbonate (e.g. limestone). By heating the material to above 825 °C a process called calcination or lime-burning, to liberate a molecule of carbon dioxide (CO2), is accomplished leaving quicklime. The quicklime is not stable and, when cooled, will spontaneously react with CO2 from the air, to Calcium Carbonate. In water Calcium oxide reacts to form Calcium Hydroxide.

Synonyms
Quicklime, Burnt lime, Unslaked lime, E529
Chemical Formula
CaO
CAS Number
1305-78-8

Characteristics

Molar Weight
56.077 g/mol
Melting Point
2,613°C
Boiling Point
2,850°C
Density
3.34 g/cm³
Forms
White, Crystalline, Solid

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Wastewater treatment
  • Pulp and paper
  • Building & Construction products

Industries

  • Pulp & Paper
  • CASE & Construction
  • Polymers
  • Mining
  • Water Treatment
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Chemical Processing