Quick lime, also known as burnt lime or calcium oxide, is a white or grayish-white solid that is produced by heating limestone or seashells at high temperatures. It is highly reactive and can react with water to form slaked lime or calcium hydroxide.



The chemical formula for quick lime is CaO, which means it is composed of one calcium atom and one oxygen atom.



Quick lime is produced by heating limestone or seashells in a kiln at temperatures of around 900-1000°C. During this process, the calcium carbonate in the limestone or seashells decomposes to form calcium oxide and carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas is then released into the atmosphere, while the calcium oxide is collected as quick lime.



Quick lime has several important properties, including:

- Highly reactive: Quick lime is highly reactive and can react with water to form slaked lime or calcium hydroxide.
- Strongly alkaline: Quick lime is strongly alkaline and can cause burns and irritation if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.
- Hygroscopic: Quick lime is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air and form a slurry or paste.
- Insoluble in water: Quick lime is insoluble in water, but it can react with water to form slaked lime.



Quick lime has several important uses, including:

- Production of cement: Quick lime is a key component in the production of cement, where it is used to convert clay and limestone into clinker.
- Water treatment: Quick lime is used to treat water and wastewater by adjusting the pH and removing impurities.
- Steel production: Quick lime is used in the steel industry to remove impurities from iron ore and to form slag.
- Agriculture: Quick lime is used in agriculture to neutralize acidic soils and to provide calcium for plant growth.
- Chemical production: Quick lime is used in the production of chemicals such as calcium carbide, calcium hypochlorite, and calcium stearate.