Main-Product

Calcium Hydroxide is a white crystalline inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)₂, commonly known as slaked lime or hydrated lime, produced by reacting calcium oxide (quicklime) with water in an exothermic reaction.​

Chemical and Physical Properties

Molecular structure: One calcium ion (Ca²⁺) bonded to two hydroxide ions (OH⁻) through ionic bonds; molecular weight 74.09 g/mol.​

Physical characteristics:

• White powder or colorless hexagonal crystals
• Density: 2.21-2.34 g/cm³
• Melting point: 580°C (decomposes to CaO + H₂O)
• Sparingly soluble in water (1.73 g/L at 20°C) with inverse temperature solubility
• Insoluble in alcohol; soluble in glycerol and acids​

Chemical behavior: Strong Arrhenius base that fully dissociates in water to produce pH ~12.4 alkaline solutions (limewater); readily absorbs atmospheric CO₂ to form calcium carbonate; neutralizes acids to form calcium salts.​

Primary Applications

Construction (mortar, plaster, cement), water treatment (pH adjustment, softening), chemical manufacturing, food processing (E526 additive), agriculture (soil amendment), and environmental remediation (flue gas desulfurization, wastewater neutralization).​

Production

Manufactured via exothermic hydration: 

References

1. Steward K. (Last edited: Sep 23, 2023). calcium hydroxide. Britannica
2. (Last edited: Dec 6, 2025). Calcium Hydroxide. Wikipedia
3. (Oct 18, 2018). Calcium Hydroxide. byjus
4. Patel A. (Jun 18, 2024). Understanding Calcium Hydroxide. Annexe Chem
5. (Last updated: Jul 07, 2025). Calcium Hydroxide. Chemical Book
6. (Jan 2, 2021). Calcium Hydroxide: Concepts, Properties & Applications. Vedantu