CAS: 73018-51-6
Lime oxide, also known as Calcium oxide (CaO), quicklime, or burnt lime, is a white, caustic, alkaline, crystalline solid at room temperature. It is produced by the thermal decomposition of materials like limestone (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) that contain calcium carbonate, in a process called calcination or lime-burning. It reacts vigorously and exothermically with water to form calcium hydroxide (slaked lime). It has a high melting point and is a basic anhydride.
Lime oxide has diverse uses, including as a flux in steelmaking to remove impurities, a desiccant (drying agent), a pH regulator and softener in water treatment, and a component in various building materials. It is also used in the chemical industry as a reagent and an intermediate, and in agriculture for soil amendment.
Major applications include metallurgy (especially in basic oxygen steelmaking), environmental treatment (neutralization of acidic waste, flue gas desulfurization, water purification), construction (production of cement, lime mortars, plasters), chemical manufacturing (e.g., calcium carbide, soda ash production), and agriculture (liming of acidic soils). It is also used in the pulp and paper industry and in the refining of sugar.
Lime oxide is corrosive and can cause severe irritation and chemical burns upon contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes due to its alkalinity and exothermic reaction with moisture. Inhalation of dust can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Ingestion can lead to severe burns of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. It reacts violently and exothermically with water, potentially causing burns and generating steam. Personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection, is essential during handling. Store in a dry, tightly sealed container away from acids and water.
Calcium oxideQuicklimeBurnt limeCalxUnslaked limeLime (in a specific context referring to quicklime)
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