What is Calcium Carbonate?
Calcium Carbonate is available widely ad a natural inorganic compound and other names for the chemical compound are chalk, limestone, or marble etc. The chemical formula for the compound is CaCO3 and its molecular weight is approximately 100.1 g/mol.
Calcium Carbonate Structure
Look at the chemical structure of the compound carefully where two calcium atoms are bonded with carbonate anion where C is fixed in the middle and three oxygen atoms are attached around through single and double bonds.
Calcium Carbonate Chemical Formula
The natural occurrence of the chemical compound can be felt in minerals in the impure state. To purify the compound, it is followed by the filtration process. Further, the chemical compound is prepared by mixing calcium oxide and water together that results in calcium carbonate product in the end. Along with mining and processing, the product can also be prepared by chemical synthesis process too.
CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 + H2O
Calcium Carbonate Molecular
The product is a fine white powder with an approximate density of 2.71 g/mL and a melting point of 1,339 °C. This cannot be dissolved in water and considered stable at room temperature. When heated at high temperatures, it will decompose into calcium oxide and releasing carbon dioxide too along.
CaCO3 → CaO + CO2
The major uses of calcium carbonate can be seen in building materials, ceramic tiles. Paints, adhesives, sealants, drilling fluids and more. The produce has plenty of medical uses too like an antacid, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical tablets and more. It is added in toothpaste and can be used as food preservatives too.