White quicklime, also known as calcium oxide (CaO), is a highly reactive and caustic substance. Here are some key properties and uses:
Properties
1. Chemical Formula: CaO
2. Molecular Weight: 56.08 g/mol
3. Appearance: White or pale yellow powder
4. Solubility: Reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
Uses
1. Construction: White quicklime is used in the production of cement, mortar, and concrete.
2. Water Treatment: It is used to raise the pH of water and remove impurities, such as heavy metals and fluoride.
3. Paper Bleaching: White quicklime is used as a bleaching agent in the production of paper.
4. Food Industry: It is used as a food additive (E529) to improve the texture and stability of foods, such as milk and cheese.
5. Agriculture: White quicklime is used to neutralize acidic soils and improve soil fertility.
