Structure, Preparation, Occurrence
Calcium hydroxide adopts a polymeric structure, as do the related hydroxides of the alkaline earth metals. The packing resembles the cadmium iodide motif with layers of octahedral Ca centres. Strong hydrogen bonds exist between the layers.
Calcium hydroxide is produced commercially by treating lime with water:
- CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2
In the laboratory it can be prepared by mixing an aqueous solutions of calcium chloride and sodium hydroxide. The mineral form, portlandite, is relatively rare but can be found in some volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic rocks. It has also been known to arise in burning coal dumps.
Read more about this topic: Calcium Hydroxide
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