What is calcium acetate?

Calcium acetate, also known as calcium acetate, is an important organic calcium salt with a wide range of applications. The following is a detailed analysis of calcium acetate:

1. Basic properties of calcium acetate

Chemical formula and molecular formula: The chemical formula of calcium acetate is Ca(CH3COO)2, which can also be written as Ca(C2H3O2)2, which represents a salt compound formed by the combination of a calcium ion and two acetate ions. Its molecular weight is 158.17.

Physical state: Calcium acetate is usually a white or colorless crystalline solid with good transparency. Calcium acetate in the form of monohydrate (Ca(CH3COO)2·H2O) is also a common form of existence.

Solubility: Calcium acetate is easily soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in acetone and benzene. Its solubility varies with increasing temperature, but in general, calcium acetate has a high solubility in water.

Odor and taste: Calcium acetate has the smell of acetic acid, which is due to the presence of acetate ions in its molecules.

2. Uses of calcium acetate

Medical field

Calcium supplement: Calcium acetate is a commonly used calcium supplement that prevents or treats osteoporosis by increasing the calcium content in the body. For people who lack calcium, muscle cramps and cramps may occur, which can be improved by supplementing calcium acetate.

Pharmacological effects: Calcium acetate also has pharmacological effects such as anticoagulation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergy. It can enhance the stability of connective tissue and reduce collagen degradation, thereby playing an anti-inflammatory role.

Usage: Calcium acetate is usually administered orally, and the dosage should be adjusted according to individual needs. During the course of taking it, it is necessary to monitor the blood calcium concentration regularly to avoid long-term excessive intake to prevent hypercalcemia.

Food industry

Food stabilizer: Calcium acetate can be used as a food stabilizer to help maintain the texture and taste of food.

Nutrient enhancer: As an organic calcium salt, calcium acetate has a better absorption effect than inorganic calcium, so it is often used as a calcium enhancer in food. It can be used in infant food, cereals and their products, drinking liquids and milk beverages to increase the calcium content of food.

Preservatives and flavor enhancers: Calcium acetate also has a certain preservative effect and can extend the shelf life of food. At the same time, its unique acetic acid smell also adds flavor to some foods.

Industrial field

Analytical reagents: Calcium acetate can be used as an analytical reagent and plays an important role in chemical analysis.

Synthesis of acetate: It is an important raw material for the synthesis of other acetates.

Other applications: Calcium acetate can also be used to make chemicals such as acetone and acetic acid, and as a raw material or auxiliary agent in the polyester industry.

3. Preparation method of calcium acetate

There are many methods for preparing calcium acetate, mainly including the following:

Reaction of acetic acid with calcium salt: React acetic acid with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate, filter, concentrate and cool to obtain calcium acetate crystals. This is one of the common methods for preparing calcium acetate.

Shell as raw material: Shell is used as raw material, washed, crushed, calcined to make lime milk, and then neutralized with acetic acid, filtered, concentrated and dried to obtain calcium acetate finished product. This method utilizes natural resources and has environmental and economic advantages.

4. Safety and environmental impact of calcium acetate

Safety: Calcium acetate is safe under normal conditions of use, but it cannot be ingested in excess. Therefore, when using calcium acetate as a calcium supplement or food additive, the dosage and intake need to be strictly controlled.

Environmental impact: Large-scale use or improper handling of calcium acetate may cause certain pollution to soil and water bodies. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to environmental protection measures during use to reduce the impact on the environment.

In summary, calcium acetate is an organic calcium salt with important industrial and medical value. It is used as a calcium supplement and a drug ingredient with multiple pharmacological effects in the medical field; as a stabilizer, nutritional enhancer and preservative in the food industry; and as an analytical reagent and a synthetic raw material for acetate in the industrial field. With the continuous advancement of science and technology and the continuous expansion of application fields, the use and value of calcium acetate will be further explored and utilized.