Introduction
Common name of CaCO3 is Limestone. Calcium carbonate occur as calcite, marble, chalk etc. Here, we will study about the preparation, properties and uses of calcium carbonate, CaCO3
Preparation of Calcium carbonate, CaCO3
We can prepare CaCO3 by the following methods :
Calcium carbonate preparation from slaked lime :
Limestone (CaCO3) forms when CO2 is passed through Ca(OH)2 solution.
Ca(OH)2 (Slaked lime) + CO2 …………………..> CaCO3 (Precipitates) + H2O
Preparation of CaCO3 from Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride reacts with sodium carbonate to form calcium carbonate.
CaCl2 + Na2CO3 …………………………..> CaCO3 (precipitates) + NaCl
Properties of CaCO3
- Limestone is white in colour and is almost insoluble in water.
- Calcium carbonate heated to 1070 – 1270 K, decomposes to form Carbon dioxide.
CaCO3 + 1070K-1270K ……………………….> CaO + CO2
3. Calcium carbonate reacts with dilute acids forming CO2 gas
CaCO3 + 2HCl …………………………..> CaCl2 + CO2 + H2O
CaCO3 + H2SO4 …………………………> CaSO4 + CO2 + H2O
Applications of Calcium carbonate, CaCO3
There are wide applications of Calcium carbonate in the various fields. Few of the applications of CaCO3 are like as follows :
1. CaCO3 In Agriculture
CaCO3 being basic in nature, neutralises the acidity of the soil and water. Calcium carbonate provides calcium to the soil also.
2. Calcium carbonate in manufacturing of cement
CaCO3 provides a good additive in the manufacturing of cement.
3. Application of Calcium carbonate as a fertiliser
Chief sources of Calcium are chalk, grounded chalk or grounded limestone, slaked lime and quick lime acting as a fertiliser.
Uses of Calcium carbonate
- Mixture of CaCO3 with MgCO3 in the form of flux extracts metals such as iron.
- CaCO3 finds wide application in the manufacturing of high quality paper.
- Limestone is the important raw material in the manufacturing of sodium carbonate.
- Calcium carbonate is the important building material in the form of marble, bricks, concrete etc.
- CaCO3 finds wide application as a antacid, filler, mild abrasive in toothpastes.
FAQs related to Calcium carbonate, CaCO3
- Is Calcium carbonate acidic or basic in nature ?
Answer : Calcium carbonate dissolves in water to form calcium hydroxide and carbonic acid.
CaCO3 + H2O ……………………..> Ca(OH)2 (strong base ) + H2CO3 ( weak acid ) Therefore, CaCO3 is a basic salt.
2. Does CaCO3 causes hardness of water ?
Answer : Calcium carbonate is insoluble in water, hence it does not causes permanent hardness of water. Ca(HCO3)2 is soluble salt in water which is responsible for the hardness of the water.
3. Do CaCO3 neutralises acidic soil ?
Answer : Calcium carbonate being basic in nature neutralises the acidic soil.
Check out the structure of NH3 here
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