Lime (Chemical)

Lime, in a chemical context, typically refers to calcium oxide (quicklime) or calcium hydroxide (slaked lime). These are alkaline substances derived from heating limestone (calcium carbonate). Lime is commonly used in agriculture to neutralize acidic soils, in water treatment to remove impurities, and in construction for mortar and plaster. When mixed with water, quicklime forms slaked lime, which is less caustic and easier to handle. Lime plays a vital role in various industrial and environmental processes due to its ability to moderate acidity, facilitate chemical reactions, and improve material stability.