CHEMISTRY GLOSSARY

Lime (or quicklime) is the common name for calcium oxide (CaO). It is manufactured from limestone, CaCO₃, by heating it to a high temperature (about 1 000 °C). At this temperature carbon dioxide, CO₂, is released from the limestone creating calcium oxide, CaO.

A further process involves adding water in a process known as hydrating, which produces hydrated, or slaked lime [Ca(OH)₂].