What is Calcium Oxide?

Calcium oxide is a white crystalline substance (an inorganic compound) having the chemical formula CaO. Its common name is quicklime. Calcium oxide is composed of one calcium (Ca) atom and one oxygen (O) atom, with a chemical formula of CaO.

Calcium oxide has a high melting point of approximately 2,572 degrees Celsius (4,662 degrees Fahrenheit). It has a high density so it is a heavy substance.

Calcium Oxide Common Name

Common Name of Calcium Oxide is Quicklime.

Calcium Oxide Chemical Formula

Chemical Formula of calcium oxide is CaO.

Calcium Oxide Molecular Weight

Molecular weight of calcium oxide is approximately 56.08 amu.

The Molecular Weight of Calcium Oxide can be obtained as

  • Atomic weight of calcium is approximately 40.08 grams per mole (g/mol).
  • Atomic weight of oxygen is approximately 16.00 g/mol.

Molecular Weight of CaO = Atomic Weight of Ca + Atomic Weight of O

⇒ Molecular Weight of CaO = 40.08 g/mol + 16.00 g/mol

Molecular Weight of CaO = 56.08 g/mol

Calcium Oxide Melting Point

Calcium oxide has a very high melting point.

Calcium Oxide Melting Point is approximately 2572℃ (4662℉)

This high melting point is characteristic of many ionic compounds, and it reflects the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the positively charged calcium ions and the negatively charged oxide ions in the crystal lattice of the solid CaO.

Calcium Oxide

Calcium oxide is a white, caustic alkaline which is solid at room temperature. Calcium Oxide is known as quicklime is a material which is a commonly used material. Calcium Oxide reactivity with water, along with its other chemical properties, makes it a very important chemical in various fields.

In this article we will learn in detail about calcium oxide, its properties, applications and other details in detail.

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What is Calcium Oxide?

Calcium oxide is a white crystalline substance (an inorganic compound) having the chemical formula CaO. Its common name is quicklime. Calcium oxide is composed of one calcium (Ca) atom and one oxygen (O) atom, with a chemical formula of CaO....

Structure of CaO Molecules

Calcium oxide molecules contain one calcium cation (which holds a charge of +2) and one oxygen anion (which holds a charge of -2)....

Lime Water Formula

The formula for lime water is Ca(OH)2 and the chemical name for lime water is calcium hydroxide. When water is added to lime calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 is formed according to the following reaction....

Preparation of Calcium Oxide

Calcium oxide is prepared by the process called calcination. Calcination involves heating calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to a high temperature, causing it to decompose and release carbon dioxide (CO2), leaving behind calcium oxide (CaO) as the final product....

Physical Properties of Calcium Oxide

The physical properties of calcium oxide are essential to understand its behavior and applications in various fields....

Chemical Properties of Calcium Oxide

Calcium oxide exhibits wide range of chemical properties and some of its important chemical properties includes:...

Calcium Oxide Chemical Reactions

Calcium oxide undergoes various chemical reactions due to its high reactivity but some of the most common reactions of calcium oxide are:...

Uses of Calcium Oxide

Calcium oxide is a versatile compound having many applications across various industries. Some of its common uses are:...

Safety Tips

The reaction between quicklime and water is vigorous. Quicklime can cause irritation, especially when inhaled or if it comes in contact with wet skin or eyes. Some of the effects of inhalation include sneezing, coughing, or laboured breathing. Also, it can result in abdominal pain, nausea burns with perforation of the nasal septum, and vomiting. When quicklime reacts with water it release heat to combustible materials....

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Calcium Oxide Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calcium Oxide?...