Difference between revisions of "Calcium carbonate"

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'''Calcium carbonate''' is the inorganic compound with chemical formula CaCO<sub>3</sub>. It is found in [[limestone]] and most chalk, both of which it is sometimes referred to as, and many other sources in nature. It is often used in the production of other calcium compounds due to being relatively easy to obtain.
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| Name = Calcium carbonate
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| Reference =
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| IUPACName = Calcium carbonate
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| PIN =
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| SystematicName =
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| OtherNames = Aragonite<br>Calcite<br>Chalk<br>Limestone<br>Marble<br>Oyster<br>Pearl
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| ImageFile = Calcium carbonate by No Tears Only Dreams Now.jpg
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| ImageCaption = Homemade calcium carbonate
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| Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers
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| Section2 = {{Chembox Properties
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| AtmosphericOHRateConstant =
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| Appearance = White solid
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| BoilingPt =
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| BoilingPtC =
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| BoilingPt_ref =
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| BoilingPt_notes = Decomposes
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| Density = 2.83 g/cm<sup>3</sup> (aragonite)<br>2.711 g/cm<sup>3</sup> (calcite)
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| Formula = CaCO<sub>3</sub>
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| HenryConstant =
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| LogP =
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| MolarMass = 100.0869 g/mol
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| MeltingPt =
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| MeltingPtC =
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| MeltingPt_ref =
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| MeltingPt_notes = ''aragonite''<br>825 °C (1517 °F; 1,098 K) (decomposition)<br>''calcite''<br>1,339 °C (2,442 °F; 1,612 K) (decomposition)
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| Odor = Odorless
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| pKa = 9.0
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| pKb =
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| Solubility = 0.0013 g/100 ml (25 °C)
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| SolubleOther = Reacts with acids<br>Insoluble in organic solvents
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| Solvent =
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| VaporPressure = ~0 mmHg
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| CrystalStruct = Trigonal
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| Section4 = {{Chembox Thermochemistry
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| DeltaGf =
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| DeltaHf = −1,207 kJ/mol
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| Entropy = 93 J·mol<sup>−1</sup>·K<sup>−1</sup>
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| Section5 = {{Chembox Explosive
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| Section6 = {{Chembox Hazards
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| AutoignitionPt = Non-flammable
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| ExploLimits = Non-flammable
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| ExternalMSDS = [https://www.docdroid.net/mGLTvja/calcium-carbonate-sa.pdf.html Sigma-Aldrich]
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| FlashPt = Non-flammable
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| LD50 = 6,450 mg/kg (oral, rat)
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| MainHazards = Irritant
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| OtherCompounds = [[Magnesium carbonate]]<br>[[Strontium sulfate]]<br>[[Barium carbonate]]
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  }}
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'''Calcium carbonate''' is the inorganic compound with chemical formula '''CaCO<sub>3</sub>'''. It is found in ''limestone'' and most ''chalk'', both of which it is sometimes referred to as, and many other sources in nature. It is often used in the production of other calcium compounds due to being relatively easy to obtain.
  
 
==Properties==
 
==Properties==
 
===Chemical===
 
===Chemical===
−
Among bases containing calcium, calcium carbonate is the least reactive and the safest to handle, making it ideal for the production of acid salts of calcium. It can be thermally decomposed into [[calcium oxide]], or quicklime, at temperatures upwards of 600°C, in a process often called [[calcination]], though this reaction does not proceed with reliable speed until temperatures of 825°C.
+
Among bases containing calcium, calcium carbonate is the least reactive and the safest to handle, making it ideal for the production of acid salts of calcium.
  
−
Calcium carbonate is a useful base with regards to neutralizing [[sulfuric acid]] in a mixture, such as those used in Fischer [[esterification]]s. The [[calcium sulfate]] produced is nearly insoluble in most solvents, and the water molecule produced is quickly absorbed by the anhydrous calcium sulfate, which is useful for water-sensitive mixtures that may [[hydrolyze]].
+
: CaCO<sub>3</sub> + 2 HX → CaX<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O + CO<sub>2</sub>
 +
 
 +
It can be thermally decomposed into [[calcium oxide]], or quicklime, at temperatures upwards of 600 °C, in a process often called [[calcination]], though this reaction does not proceed with reliable speed until temperatures of 825 °C, as the hot calcium oxide will quickly reabsorb any calcium dioxide from air to reform the carbonate.
 +
 
 +
: CaCO<sub>3</sub> → CaO + CO<sub>2</sub>
 +
 
 +
Calcium carbonate is a useful base with regards to neutralizing [[sulfuric acid]] in a mixture, such as those used in Fischer [[esterification]]s. The [[calcium sulfate]] produced is nearly insoluble in most solvents, and the water molecule produced is quickly absorbed by the anhydrous calcium sulfate, which is useful for water-sensitive mixtures that may [[Hydrolysis|hydrolyze]]. However, if a slight excess of calcium carbonate isn't used, minute amounts of unreacted sulfuric acid may be trapped in the resulting CaSO<sub>4</sub>, which could cause trouble later. Alternatively, one could simply stir the mixture for long periods of time, to make sure all the acid reacted, though this might take a while, depending on the amount used.
 +
 
 +
Bubbling [[carbon dioxide]] through an aq. suspension of calcium carbonate will cause it to dissolve, by converting it into [[calcium bicarbonate]], which is only soluble as solution.
 +
 
 +
: CaCO<sub>3</sub><sub>(s)</sub> + CO<sub>2</sub> → Ca(HCO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub><sub>(aq)</sub>
 +
 
 +
Evaporating the solution to dryness causes the bicarbonate to release its carbon dioxide, leaving behind calcium carbonate.
  
 
===Physical===
 
===Physical===
−
Calcium carbonate most often appears as a fine (chalky) white powder, and has a chalky taste. It is insoluble in water (0.013 g/L at 25°C), making it easy to produce in double replacement reactions with a soluble carbonate. It decomposes if heated over 825 °C
+
Calcium carbonate most often appears as a fine (chalky) white powder, and has a chalky taste. It is practically insoluble in water (0.013 g/L at 25 °C), making it easy to produce in double replacement reactions with a soluble carbonate. It decomposes to CaO if heated over 825 °C for long periods of time.
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
−
Calcium carbonate is commonly available in a very wide range of stores. Powdered limestone, which is mostly calcium carbonate, can be found in many gardening or agricultural stores as a pH raiser for soil; this can vary in purity. Pure calcium carbonate may be found as a whiting agent in ceramics stores. Many calcium supplements or antacids found in pharmacies are also made of calcium carbonate, but also frequently contain glucose or other agents to improve taste. Chalk for blackboards, rock-climbing, and building were once made of calcium carbonate, but today they may be replaced with calcium sulfate or magnesium carbonate.
+
Calcium carbonate is commonly available in a very wide range of stores. Powdered limestone, which is mostly calcium carbonate, can be found in many gardening or agricultural stores as a pH raiser for soil; this can vary in purity. Pure calcium carbonate may be found as a whiting agent in ceramics stores. Many calcium supplements or antacids found in pharmacies are also made of calcium carbonate, but also frequently contain glucose or other agents to improve taste. Chalk for blackboards, rock-climbing, and building were once made of calcium carbonate, but today they may be replaced with calcium sulfate or magnesium carbonate. Eggshells and snail shells are also a cheap source of calcium carbonate, though they also have organic layers (proteins or polysaccharides), which can be removed by roasting them in an oven/kiln, preferably in an oxidizing atmosphere to eliminate all carbon traces.
  
 
Calcium carbonate is a moderately high secondary component of plaster of Paris (which is mostly [[calcium sulfate]]. Reacting Plaster of Paris with some baking soda (this process takes time and agitation of the mixture) can give sufficiently high concentrations of calcium carbonate, which can then be used to make soluble calcium compounds. The excess [[calcium sulfate]] and other Plaster of Paris impurities can be filtered out, being insoluble.
 
Calcium carbonate is a moderately high secondary component of plaster of Paris (which is mostly [[calcium sulfate]]. Reacting Plaster of Paris with some baking soda (this process takes time and agitation of the mixture) can give sufficiently high concentrations of calcium carbonate, which can then be used to make soluble calcium compounds. The excess [[calcium sulfate]] and other Plaster of Paris impurities can be filtered out, being insoluble.
  
−
Because many of the OTC sources here are impure but contain water-insoluble impurities, a decent way to purify them is simply by immersion in boiling water, filtration, and washing. Antacid tablets, however, contain sugar, which will caramelize if this is done, ruining the product. At the cost of some extra expense, the calcium carbonate within the product can be dissolved using [[hydrochloric acid]], insoluble impurites can be filtered out, and the filtrate can be treated with [[sodium bicarbonate]] to precipitate a purer form.
+
Because many of the OTC sources here are impure but contain water-insoluble impurities, a decent way to purify them is simply by immersion in boiling water, filtration, and washing. Antacid tablets, however, contain sugar, which will caramelize if this is done, ruining the product. At the cost of some extra expense, the calcium carbonate within the product can be dissolved using [[hydrochloric acid]], insoluble impurities can be filtered out, and the filtrate can be treated with [[sodium bicarbonate]] to precipitate a purer form.
  
 
==Preparation==
 
==Preparation==
−
Calcium carbonate can be precipitated by mixing solutions of [[calcium chloride]] and any water-soluble carbonate, or with [[sodium bicarbonate]]. If pure calcium chloride is not available, limestone can be dissolved in hydrochloric acid, filtered, and the filtrate can be combined with a carbonate solution, though this may contain impurities of magnesium.
+
Calcium carbonate can be precipitated by mixing solutions of [[calcium chloride]] and any water-soluble carbonate or bicarbonate.
 +
 
 +
: CaCl<sub>2</sub> + Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> → CaCO<sub>3</sub> + 2 NaCl
 +
 
 +
If pure calcium chloride is not available, limestone can be dissolved in hydrochloric acid, filtered, and the filtrate can be combined with a carbonate solution, though this may contain impurities of magnesium.
 +
 
 +
The cheapest way to make calcium carbonate is to bubble carbon dioxide through an aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide, aka slaked (or hydrated) lime, which can be cheaply bought from any construction store.
 +
 
 +
: Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> + CO<sub>2</sub> → CaCO<sub>3</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O
  
−
The cheapest way to make calcium carbonate is to bubble carbon dioxide through an aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide, aka slaked (or hydrated) lime, which can be cheaply bought from any construction store. While store-grade hydrated lime may also contain magnesium in the form of magnesium hydroxide/carbonate, this can be separated by simply bubbling an excess of carbon dioxide through the solution to form the bicarbonates of the two metals. As calcium bicarbonate is much more soluble (16.6 g/100 mL at 20°C) in water than magnesium bicarbonate (0.077 g / 100 mL), the soluble calcium can be filtered. Boiling the filtrate causes the calcium bicarbonate to decompose to calcium carbonate, which can be dried and used.
+
While store-grade hydrated lime may also contain magnesium in the form of magnesium hydroxide/carbonate, this can be separated by simply bubbling an excess of carbon dioxide through the solution to form the bicarbonates of the two metals. As calcium bicarbonate is much more soluble (16.6 g/100 mL at 20°C) in water than magnesium bicarbonate (0.077 g/100 mL), the soluble calcium can be filtered. Boiling the filtrate causes the calcium bicarbonate to decompose to calcium carbonate, which can be dried and used.
  
 
If impure calcium carbonate is sufficient, leaving wet calcium hydroxide in open air will slowly result in calcium carbonate. However, if the air is polluted, calcium sulfate and nitrate may also form.
 
If impure calcium carbonate is sufficient, leaving wet calcium hydroxide in open air will slowly result in calcium carbonate. However, if the air is polluted, calcium sulfate and nitrate may also form.
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==Handling==
 
==Handling==
 
===Safety===
 
===Safety===
−
Pure calcium carbonate has low toxicity and is safe to handle without precaution. It is often used as a calcium supplement and food additive, but can be hazardous if large amounts are consumed. When finely divided it may be an irritant.
+
Pure calcium carbonate has low toxicity and is safe to handle without precaution. It is often used as a calcium supplement and food additive, but can be hazardous if large amounts are consumed. When finely divided it may be an irritant to eyes, nose and lungs.
  
 
===Storage===
 
===Storage===
−
Calcium carbonate is best stored in closed bottles. No special storage is required, however it's best to store it away from any acidic fumes.
+
Calcium carbonate is best stored in any clean plastic bottles. No special storage is required, however it's best to store it away from any acidic fumes.
  
 
===Disposal===
 
===Disposal===
−
Calcium carbonate occurs naturally and poses no threat to the environment.
+
Calcium carbonate, unless contaminated from chemical reactions, is practically non-toxic and doesn't require special disposal. You can simply dump it in the trash or ground or wherever you want. Since calcium carbonate occurs naturally in both mineral and biotic sources, it poses no threat to the environment.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=11241 Calcium Carbonate from Eggshells]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=46581 calcium carbonate composition in seashells]
  
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
 
[[Category:Inorganic compounds]]
 
[[Category:Inorganic compounds]]
 
[[Category:Calcium compounds]]
 
[[Category:Calcium compounds]]
−
[[Category:Carbon oxoanions]]
 
 
[[Category:Carbonates]]
 
[[Category:Carbonates]]
 
[[Category:Bases]]
 
[[Category:Bases]]
 +
[[Category:Materials unstable in acidic solution]]
 +
[[Category:Easily prepared chemicals]]
 
[[Category:Readily available chemicals]]
 
[[Category:Readily available chemicals]]

Latest revision as of 19:55, 9 September 2023

Calcium carbonate
Calcium carbonate by No Tears Only Dreams Now.jpg
Homemade calcium carbonate
Names
IUPAC name
Calcium carbonate
Other names
Aragonite
Calcite
Chalk
Limestone
Marble
Oyster
Pearl
Properties
CaCO3
Molar mass 100.0869 g/mol
Appearance White solid
Odor Odorless
Density 2.83 g/cm3 (aragonite)
2.711 g/cm3 (calcite)
Melting point aragonite
825 °C (1517 °F; 1,098 K) (decomposition)
calcite
1,339 °C (2,442 °F; 1,612 K) (decomposition)
Boiling point Decomposes
0.0013 g/100 ml (25 °C)
Solubility Reacts with acids
Insoluble in organic solvents
Vapor pressure ~0 mmHg
Acidity (pKa) 9.0
Thermochemistry
93 J·mol−1·K−1
−1,207 kJ/mol
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich
Flash point Non-flammable
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
6,450 mg/kg (oral, rat)
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Magnesium carbonate
Strontium sulfate
Barium carbonate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Calcium carbonate is the inorganic compound with chemical formula CaCO3. It is found in limestone and most chalk, both of which it is sometimes referred to as, and many other sources in nature. It is often used in the production of other calcium compounds due to being relatively easy to obtain.

Properties

Chemical

Among bases containing calcium, calcium carbonate is the least reactive and the safest to handle, making it ideal for the production of acid salts of calcium.

CaCO3 + 2 HX → CaX2 + H2O + CO2

It can be thermally decomposed into calcium oxide, or quicklime, at temperatures upwards of 600 °C, in a process often called calcination, though this reaction does not proceed with reliable speed until temperatures of 825 °C, as the hot calcium oxide will quickly reabsorb any calcium dioxide from air to reform the carbonate.

CaCO3 → CaO + CO2

Calcium carbonate is a useful base with regards to neutralizing sulfuric acid in a mixture, such as those used in Fischer esterifications. The calcium sulfate produced is nearly insoluble in most solvents, and the water molecule produced is quickly absorbed by the anhydrous calcium sulfate, which is useful for water-sensitive mixtures that may hydrolyze. However, if a slight excess of calcium carbonate isn't used, minute amounts of unreacted sulfuric acid may be trapped in the resulting CaSO4, which could cause trouble later. Alternatively, one could simply stir the mixture for long periods of time, to make sure all the acid reacted, though this might take a while, depending on the amount used.

Bubbling carbon dioxide through an aq. suspension of calcium carbonate will cause it to dissolve, by converting it into calcium bicarbonate, which is only soluble as solution.

CaCO3(s) + CO2 → Ca(HCO3)2(aq)

Evaporating the solution to dryness causes the bicarbonate to release its carbon dioxide, leaving behind calcium carbonate.

Physical

Calcium carbonate most often appears as a fine (chalky) white powder, and has a chalky taste. It is practically insoluble in water (0.013 g/L at 25 °C), making it easy to produce in double replacement reactions with a soluble carbonate. It decomposes to CaO if heated over 825 °C for long periods of time.

Availability

Calcium carbonate is commonly available in a very wide range of stores. Powdered limestone, which is mostly calcium carbonate, can be found in many gardening or agricultural stores as a pH raiser for soil; this can vary in purity. Pure calcium carbonate may be found as a whiting agent in ceramics stores. Many calcium supplements or antacids found in pharmacies are also made of calcium carbonate, but also frequently contain glucose or other agents to improve taste. Chalk for blackboards, rock-climbing, and building were once made of calcium carbonate, but today they may be replaced with calcium sulfate or magnesium carbonate. Eggshells and snail shells are also a cheap source of calcium carbonate, though they also have organic layers (proteins or polysaccharides), which can be removed by roasting them in an oven/kiln, preferably in an oxidizing atmosphere to eliminate all carbon traces.

Calcium carbonate is a moderately high secondary component of plaster of Paris (which is mostly calcium sulfate. Reacting Plaster of Paris with some baking soda (this process takes time and agitation of the mixture) can give sufficiently high concentrations of calcium carbonate, which can then be used to make soluble calcium compounds. The excess calcium sulfate and other Plaster of Paris impurities can be filtered out, being insoluble.

Because many of the OTC sources here are impure but contain water-insoluble impurities, a decent way to purify them is simply by immersion in boiling water, filtration, and washing. Antacid tablets, however, contain sugar, which will caramelize if this is done, ruining the product. At the cost of some extra expense, the calcium carbonate within the product can be dissolved using hydrochloric acid, insoluble impurities can be filtered out, and the filtrate can be treated with sodium bicarbonate to precipitate a purer form.

Preparation

Calcium carbonate can be precipitated by mixing solutions of calcium chloride and any water-soluble carbonate or bicarbonate.

CaCl2 + Na2CO3 → CaCO3 + 2 NaCl

If pure calcium chloride is not available, limestone can be dissolved in hydrochloric acid, filtered, and the filtrate can be combined with a carbonate solution, though this may contain impurities of magnesium.

The cheapest way to make calcium carbonate is to bubble carbon dioxide through an aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide, aka slaked (or hydrated) lime, which can be cheaply bought from any construction store.

Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 + H2O

While store-grade hydrated lime may also contain magnesium in the form of magnesium hydroxide/carbonate, this can be separated by simply bubbling an excess of carbon dioxide through the solution to form the bicarbonates of the two metals. As calcium bicarbonate is much more soluble (16.6 g/100 mL at 20°C) in water than magnesium bicarbonate (0.077 g/100 mL), the soluble calcium can be filtered. Boiling the filtrate causes the calcium bicarbonate to decompose to calcium carbonate, which can be dried and used.

If impure calcium carbonate is sufficient, leaving wet calcium hydroxide in open air will slowly result in calcium carbonate. However, if the air is polluted, calcium sulfate and nitrate may also form.

Projects

Handling

Safety

Pure calcium carbonate has low toxicity and is safe to handle without precaution. It is often used as a calcium supplement and food additive, but can be hazardous if large amounts are consumed. When finely divided it may be an irritant to eyes, nose and lungs.

Storage

Calcium carbonate is best stored in any clean plastic bottles. No special storage is required, however it's best to store it away from any acidic fumes.

Disposal

Calcium carbonate, unless contaminated from chemical reactions, is practically non-toxic and doesn't require special disposal. You can simply dump it in the trash or ground or wherever you want. Since calcium carbonate occurs naturally in both mineral and biotic sources, it poses no threat to the environment.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

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