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Send EmailCalcium Oxide, Quicklime, Burnt Lime, Calx, E529, 1305-78-8
1. Chemical Identity
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Scientific Name: Calcium Oxide
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Chemical Formula: CaO
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CAS Number: 1305-78-8
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Molecular Weight: 56.08 g/mol
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Other Names: Quicklime, Burnt Lime, Calx, Unslaked Lime
2. Physical and Chemical Properties
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Appearance: White to yellowish or brownish powder or crystalline solid
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Density: 3.34 g/cm³
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Melting Point: 2613 °C
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Boiling Point: 2850–3850 °C (values vary in literature)
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Solubility:
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Reacts vigorously with water to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)
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Soluble in acids and glycerin
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Insoluble in alcohols and organic solvents
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Odor: Odorless
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Flammability: Non-flammable
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Reactivity: Strongly basic, highly reactive with moisture
3. Production
Calcium oxide is primarily produced by calcination of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃):
CaCO3 →Δ CaO+CO2
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Industrial scale: Conducted in lime kilns at high temperatures.
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Laboratory scale: Alternative synthesis routes via calcium chloride and hydroxide intermediates are possible.
4. Applications
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Construction: Essential in cement and mortar production; fundamental in clinker formation.
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Metallurgy: Used as a flux to remove impurities (sulfur, phosphorus) during steelmaking.
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Water Treatment: Neutralizes acidic water and precipitates heavy metals.
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Agriculture: Soil conditioner and pH regulator; also used in calcium-based fertilizers.
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Paper Industry: Involved in pulp bleaching and purification.
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Food & Pharmaceuticals: Food additive (E529) as an acidity regulator; used in gelatin and sugar refining.
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Energy & Technology: Applied in solid oxide fuel cells and oxygen generation systems.
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Glass Industry: Improves durability and chemical resistance of glass.
5. Health and Safety
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Hazards:
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Corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
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Inhalation causes respiratory irritation.
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Reaction with water releases heat, posing burn risks.
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Storage: Must be kept dry; exposure to moisture converts CaO into Ca(OH)₂.
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GHS Classification:
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Hazard Statements: H302, H314, H315, H335
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Precautionary Statements: P260–P405 (covering inhalation, handling, storage, and disposal)
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6. Critical Industrial Roles
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Cement Production: Indispensable raw material; cement cannot be manufactured without CaO.
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Steelmaking: Mandatory flux for slag formation and impurity removal.
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Water Treatment: Key neutralizing agent for acidic effluents.
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Food Industry: Recognized additive (E529), with limited but irreplaceable functions.
7. Summary
Calcium oxide is a highly reactive, strongly basic, and versatile industrial chemical. Its role spans construction, metallurgy, water treatment, agriculture, and specialized applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and energy technologies. Despite its broad utility, it requires strict handling and storage protocols due to its corrosive nature and vigorous reaction with water.
1. Sectoral Usage & Suitability
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Construction / Cement | Highly Suitable – Essential | Fundamental in clinker formation; cement production is impossible without CaO. |
| Metallurgy | Highly Suitable – Essential | Acts as a flux to remove sulfur and phosphorus during steelmaking. |
| Water Treatment | Highly Suitable – Essential | Neutralizes acidic water and precipitates heavy metals. |
| Agriculture | Suitable | Used as a soil conditioner and fertilizer additive; alternatives exist. |
| Paper Industry | Suitable | Applied in pulp bleaching and purification; improves quality. |
| Food & Pharmaceuticals | Limited Suitability | Food additive (E529) with restricted use; pharmaceutical applications require special grades. |
| Animal Feed | Limited Suitability | Occasionally used in feed formulations; limited impact. |
| Energy & Technology | Suitable | Applied in solid oxide fuel cells and oxygen generation systems. |
| Glass Industry | Suitable | Enhances durability and chemical resistance of glass; alternatives available. |
2. Alternatives & Comparison
| Sector | CaO Role | Alternatives | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction / Cement | Essential raw material | None | Irreplaceable in clinker formation. |
| Metallurgy | Flux for slag formation | MgO, Dolomite | MgO can substitute in some cases, but CaO is more reactive and cost-effective. |
| Water Treatment | Neutralizing agent | NaOH, Ca(OH)₂ | NaOH is faster but more expensive; CaO is economical and widely available. |
| Agriculture | Soil pH regulator | CaCO₃ (limestone), Dolomite | CaCO₃ acts slower; CaO provides rapid pH adjustment. |
| Paper Industry | Pulp treatment | NaOH | NaOH is stronger but costlier; CaO is more accessible. |
| Food & Pharmaceuticals | Additive (E529) | NaOH, Ca(OH)₂ | Alternatives exist, but CaO has unique regulatory approval (E529). |
| Energy & Technology | Fuel cells, oxygen systems | ZrO₂, MgO | Alternatives are used in advanced systems; CaO remains cost-effective. |
| Glass Industry | Durability enhancer | MgO, BaO | Alternatives modify glass properties differently; CaO is the standard additive. |
3. Strategic Assessment
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Mandatory Sectors: Cement, metallurgy, water treatment.
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Competitive Sectors: Agriculture, paper, glass, energy – alternatives exist but CaO is often cheaper and more accessible.
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Restricted Sectors: Food and pharmaceuticals – limited but irreplaceable in specific roles.
Common Names
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Calcium Oxide
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Quicklime
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Burnt Lime
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Unslaked Lime
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Calx
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Calcia
Industrial & Technical Variants
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Caustic Lime
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Airlock Lime
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Bellcml Lime
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Calcium Quick Lime
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Calcium Oxide Powder
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Calcium (II) Oxide
Abbreviations & Codes
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CaO (chemical formula)
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E529 (food additive code)
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USP Grade / Pharmaceutical Grade (for medical and pharmaceutical applications)
Language Variants
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Turkish: Kalsiyum Oksit, Sönmemiş Kireç, Yanmış Kireç, Kalsiyum Monooksit
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English: Calcium Oxide, Quicklime, Burnt Lime, Calx
Summary
Calcium Oxide is referenced under many names depending on sectoral context:
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Construction & Metallurgy: Quicklime, Burnt Lime
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Chemistry & Industry: CaO, Calcium (II) Oxide, Calcia
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Food & Pharma: E529, USP Grade
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General Literature: Calx, Lime
