Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is a chemical
compound that occurs naturally in various forms, including limestone, marble,
and chalk. It is one of the most widely used minerals in the world and has
numerous industrial, agricultural, and environmental applications.
Here are the details of Calcium Carbonate along with its CAS number:
Chemical formula: CaCO3
CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number: 471-34-1
Molecular weight: 100.09 g/mol
Density: 2.71 g/cm³ (bulk density)
Melting point: Decomposes at high
temperatures (~825 °C or 1517 °F)
Solubility in water: Very low solubility,
approximately 0.0015 g/L at 25 °C
Calcium carbonate is composed of calcium ions (Ca2+) and carbonate ions (CO32-). It is a white, odorless powder that is insoluble in water but soluble in acids, including hydrochloric acid.
Here are some common uses of Calcium Carbonate:
1. Construction and Building Materials: Calcium carbonate is used as a filler and extender in the production of construction materials such as cement, concrete, mortar, and asphalt. It improves the mechanical properties, durability, and workability of these materials.
2. Papermaking: Calcium carbonate is used as a filler and coating pigment in the papermaking industry to improve paper opacity, brightness, and printability. It reduces production costs and enhances paper quality.
3. Plastics and Polymers: Calcium carbonate is used as a filler and reinforcing agent in the production of plastics, rubber, and polymer composites. It improves mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and processing characteristics of these materials.
4. Paints and Coatings: Calcium carbonate is used as a pigment and extender in paints, coatings, and primers to improve hiding power, color retention, and weather resistance. It also reduces production costs and enhances coating performance.
5. Agriculture: Calcium carbonate is used as a soil amendment in agriculture to neutralize acidic soils and improve soil fertility. It provides essential calcium for plant growth and enhances nutrient uptake by roots.
6. Pharmaceuticals: Calcium carbonate is used as an antacid and calcium supplement in pharmaceutical formulations to treat heartburn, indigestion, and osteoporosis. It neutralizes stomach acid and provides dietary calcium.
7. Environmental Remediation: Calcium carbonate is used in environmental remediation projects to neutralize acidic mine drainage, industrial wastewater, and soil contaminated with heavy metals. It helps restore pH balance and improve water quality.
Calcium carbonate is valued for its abundance, low cost, and versatility in various industries. However, its handling and disposal should be done in accordance with environmental regulations to minimize environmental impact and ensure human health and safety.
If you need further information or have specific questions, feel free to ask!