What is the common name for calcium hydroxide?

In the vast field of chemistry,calcium hydroxide is a common and important compound.It not only frequently appears in chemical laboratories,but also plays an indispensable role in many aspects such as industrial production,agricultural improvement,construction industry,and daily life.When it comes to calcium hydroxide,understanding its common name is a step towards gaining a deeper understanding of it.

The commonly known generic name for calcium hydroxide is"hydrated lime".Correspondingly,"quicklime"refers to calcium oxide.Quicklime is produced by high-temperature calcination of limestone,and the reaction equation is:CaCO=high temperature→CaO+CO₂↑.To convert quicklime into hydrated lime,it only needs to react with water,which is also known as the"digestion"reaction of lime.The chemical equation is:CaO+H₂O=Ca(OH)₂.Due to the release of a large amount of heat in the reaction,and the gradual softening and refinement of quicklime during the reaction,as if it had been"cooked",the resulting calcium hydroxide is vividly referred to as"hydrated lime".

The name"hydrated lime"also originates from the preparation process of calcium hydroxide.When quicklime reacts with water,the originally blocky quicklime gradually disintegrates and dissipates into the water,forming a uniform suspension or solution of calcium hydroxide,as if quicklime had"disappeared"in water.Therefore,people call calcium hydroxide"hydrated lime".
In industrial production,calcium hydroxide is a versatile worker.In the paper industry,it is one of the indispensable raw materials.By utilizing the alkalinity of hydrated lime,plant fibers can be steamed and treated to remove impurities such as lignin and resin,resulting in fiber separation and softening,laying a solid foundation for subsequent papermaking processes.Meanwhile,hydrated lime can also adjust the acidity and alkalinity of pulp,ensuring the quality and stability of paper.

In the sugar industry,calcium hydroxide plays a role in neutralization and precipitation.In the process of sugar production from sugarcane or sugar beet,the original juice often contains a certain amount of acidic impurities and colloidal substances,which can affect the quality and color of the sugar.After adding hydrated lime,its alkalinity can neutralize acidic impurities and cause colloidal substances to coagulate and precipitate.After filtration,a relatively pure sugar solution can be obtained,thereby producing high-quality white sugar.

In addition,hydrated lime is widely used in industries such as chemical engineering and metallurgy.It can be used as a raw material for manufacturing chemical products such as bleaching powder and sodium hydroxide;In the metallurgical industry,it can be used to treat mine wastewater,extract metals,etc.
In some food processing,hydrated lime also has certain applications.For example,when making Century egg,adding an appropriate amount of hydrated lime can adjust the pH of the feed liquid,promote the coagulation and denaturation of protein,and make Century egg have a unique taste and flavor.
Calcium hydroxide,whether referred to as hydrated lime or hydrated lime,plays an important role in human production and life due to its unique chemical properties and wide range of applications.From the large-scale application of industrial production to the meticulous cultivation in the agricultural field,from the magnificent construction of the construction industry to the subtle details of daily life,hydrated lime is silently contributing its own strength.With the continuous progress and development of technology,we believe that the application fields of hydrated lime will continue to expand and deepen,creating a better future for humanity.