The pH of calcium oxide, often known as quicklime, is 12.34. This value indicates that it is a strong base (alkaline) when dissolved in water.
Understanding the pH of Calcium Oxide
Calcium oxide (CaO) is a widely used inorganic compound. When it reacts with water, it forms calcium hydroxide, a process known as slaking. The pH value quantifies the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with values above 7 indicating alkalinity. A pH of 12.34 signifies a highly alkaline solution.
Insights from Research
According to research comparing the pH of various calcium compound solutions, calcium oxide exhibits a pH of 12.34. This places it significantly above pH 12.0, confirming its strong basicity. The study, titled "Comparison of pH of selected calcium compound solutions," provides valuable data on the alkalinity of these compounds. You can find more details in the research on calcium compound pH values.
Calcium Oxide vs. Calcium Hydroxide pH Comparison
The same study also provided the pH for calcium hydroxide, another important calcium compound. While both are highly alkaline, there's a slight difference in their measured pH values:
| Compound | Chemical Formula | pH Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium Oxide | CaO | 12.34 |
| Calcium Hydroxide | Ca(OH)₂ | 12.27 |
This comparison illustrates that both compounds contribute to highly alkaline solutions, with calcium oxide showing a marginally higher pH under the conditions of this specific study.
