Formation of Calcium Hydroxide
CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2
Overview
Calcium oxide (quicklime) reacts exothermically with water to form calcium hydroxide (slaked lime). This reaction generates considerable heat and can cause water to boil. It is one of the oldest known chemical reactions, used in construction for millennia.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Calcium Oxide CaO | 1 | (s) |
| Reactant | Water H₂O | 1 | (l) |
| Product | Calcium Hydroxide Ca(OH)₂ | 1 | (s) |
Everyday Example
Self-heating food cans and chemical heating packs sometimes use this reaction between quicklime and water to generate heat.
Industrial Importance
Calcium hydroxide is used in water treatment, paper manufacturing, sugar refining, and as a component in mortar and plaster. Essential for pH adjustment in many industrial processes.
Properties
- Type
- Synthesis
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -65.2 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (General)
Formation of Aluminum Oxide
Formation of Ammonia (Haber Process)
Formation of Barium Oxide
Formation of Barium Sulfate
Formation of Beryllium Oxide
Formation of Cadmium Oxide
Formation of Calcium Carbonate from Oxides
Formation of Calcium Oxide (Quicklime)
Formation of Carbon Dioxide from Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Formation of Calcium Hydroxide?
The balanced equation is: CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂.
What type of reaction is Formation of Calcium Hydroxide?
Formation of Calcium Hydroxide is a synthesis reaction.
Is Formation of Calcium Hydroxide exothermic or endothermic?
Formation of Calcium Hydroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -65.2 kJ/mol.