Calcium Acetate: Structure, Properties & Uses

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Arpita Srivastava

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Calcium Acetate is an organic compound with the chemical formula Ca(C2H3O2)2 or C4H6CaO4.

The systematic name of the compound is acetate of lime, calcium ethanoate, or calcium diacetate.  

  • Calcium Acetate is a chemical salt that is formed by acetic acid and calcium. 
  • The compound is hygroscopic in nature in its anhydrous form.
  • It is a monohydrate in the common form.
  • Calcium is a vital mineral for the correct functioning of the human body. 
  • It is essential for the creation, growth, and preservation of bones
  • Calcium acetate aids in regulating phosphate levels and eliminating their detrimental effects on the human body.
  • It helps in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia and prevents high blood phosphate levels in patients who are on dialysis. 

Key Terms: Calcium Acetate, Calcium, Acetic Acid, Phosphate, Bones, Acetate of Lime, Calcium Carbonate, Acetone, Benzene, Molar Mass, Dialysis, Calcium Ethanoate


What is Calcium Acetate?

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The chemical calcium acetate is principally a calcium salt of acetic acid. Lime acetate is another name for it. Calcium acetate has the formula C4H6CaO4.

  • Calcium ethanoate is the IUPAC name for this chemical, even though it is usually known as calcium acetate.
  • Furthermore, calcium acetate is a colourless, white crystalline solid with a faint acetic acid odour.
  • Water and alcohol are soluble, while acetone and benzene are not soluble in this compound.
  • When this compound is in its anhydrous form, it is highly hygroscopic.
  • When it is in its normal form, it is a monohydrate.

This chemical can also be produced by soaking calcium carbonate in a vinegar solution. Calcium acetate has yet to be discovered as a free chemical in nature.

  • Furthermore, it is mostly employed in the production of various pharmaceuticals, food additives, sequestrates, buffers, and so on.
Calcium Acetate 

Calcium Acetate 

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Calcium Acetate Structure

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The formula for calcium acetate is C4H6CaO4 with a molar mass of 158.17 g mol-1. Ca (CH3COO)2 is the extended formula of the compound. 

  • Two acetate anions (CH3COO-) and one calcium cation (Ca2+) combine to make the salt. 
  • Due to its high hygroscopy, this salt is frequently found as a hydrated salt. 
  • Calcium acetate is formed by the combination of calcium, oxygen and carbon.
  • In this compound, calcium ion is combined with the acetate ion through the acetate group.
  • Calcium ions are also connected with carbon atoms.
  • The typical representations of organic compounds' chemical structure can be expressed as follows.
Calcium Acetate

Calcium Acetate


Calcium Acetate Production

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Calcium Acetate is made by reacting calcium-containing materials like calcium carbonate or limestone with acetic acid, which can be a diluted solution, to produce calcium hydrate.

  • The chemical reaction involved in calcium acetate production are as follows:

CaCO3 + 2CH3COOH → Ca(CH3COO)2 + H2O + CO2

Ca(OH)2 + 2CH3COOH → Ca(CH3COO)2 + 2H2O


Properties of Calcium Acetate

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Properties of calcium acetate is sub-divided into physical and chemical properties which are as follows:

Physical Properties of Calcium Acetate

The physical properties of calcium acetate are as follows:

  • Calcium acetate is a white, hygroscopic substance with an acetic acid-like odour.
  • It has a density of 1.509 g mL-1.
  • Calcium acetate has a melting point of 160 °C and is water-soluble.
  • It is just marginally soluble in methanol and completely insoluble in ethanol and acetone.

The physical properties of calcium acetate are tabulated below:

Compound Data
Calcium Acetate C4H6CaO4
Molecular weight  158.166 g/mol
Refractive index 1.55
Density  1.509 g/cm3
Melting point  160 °C
Odour Acetic Acid
Solubility in Water 37.4 g/100 mL (0 °C)
34.7 g/100 mL (20 °C)
29.7 g/100 mL (100 °C)

Chemical Properties of Calcium Acetate

The chemical properties of calcium acetate are as follows:

Chelating Agent

Calcium acetate is a chelator, which means that it has a metallic atom (calcium) that may link to other chemical ions. It allow to establish a distinct type of coordinated bond known as "chelation."

Phosphate Level

The calcium atom in the calcium acetate can also be used to treat phosphate excesses in the blood. It can react to generate calcium phosphate, which is insoluble and easily eliminated.

Heating Reaction

When calcium acetate is heated then, the formation of acetone and calcium carbonate takes place. The heating reaction of the compound is as follows:

(CH3COO)2Ca→ CH3COCH3+CaCO3


Calcium Acetate Dosage

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Following are the dosage level of Calcium Acetate:

  • If calcium acetate is being used on the advice of a doctor, a proper dose must be followed. 
  • It will entirely depend on the medical condition of the patient and their present treatment. 
  • Furthermore, the timing of this drug is critical. 
  • It is usually consumed during a meal.

Furthermore, if calcium acetate drugs are taken in liquid form, a medication-measuring instrument should be used instead of a household spoon. Because overdosing is dangerous, a precise dose is required.

  • To gain the benefits of calcium acetate, it must be taken daily. 
  • However, stick to the doctor's recommended dosage and regimen. 
  • Furthermore, do not increase or discontinue its use without consulting a physician, as it may cause negative effects.

Calcium Acetate Uses

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The uses of calcium acetate are as follows:

  • Calcium acetate is used to keep dialysis patients' blood pressure in check, so its pills are used.
  • It is used to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, both of which can be caused by high phosphate levels.
  • The compound was also used as a starting material for acetone production because of its low cost. 
  • Calcium acetate has historically been used to make tofu as it is a more soluble compound. 
  • It is used in bakery products as an anti-mold agent.
  • The compound is used in the preparation of agricultural products.
  • Calcium acetate is used in the manufacturing of lubricants and stabilizers in resins.

Calcium Acetate Health Hazards

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The side effects of Calcium Acetate are as follows:

  • One of the most common calcium acetate adverse effects is gastrointestinal distress. 
  • However, if it persists or worsens, it is critical to see a doctor.
  • Other health hazards include loss of appetite, stomach or abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea.
  • Individuals might suffer from dry mouth, increased thirst and urination.

Serious allergic responses to this medicine are also possible, but they are quite rare. If someone experiences symptoms such as rashes, severe dizziness, itching, or swelling in the neck, tongue, or face, they should see a doctor very away.

  • Calcium acetate has a limited number of adverse effects. 
  • Nonetheless, it is critical to utilize this drug correctly to avoid any of these side effects.

Precautions to take for using Calcium Acetate

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The following are the precautions to take when using calcium acetate:

  • The most important precaution that individuals may take is to tell their doctor if they have any allergies.
  • Calcium acetate can induce allergic responses since it contains inactive components.
  • Furthermore, people with certain medical conditions are prohibited from using this medication. 
  • As a result, get medical advice before ingesting it.

Calcium acetate should also be used only when necessary, in the case of pregnant women. Even though it is unlikely to harm the baby, people should check with a medical practitioner before using it.

  • While using calcium acetate is not recommended to take any other calcium supplement without first visiting a doctor.
  • It's also crucial to stay away from calcium-containing antacids. 
  • As a result, only take the antacids that your doctor has prescribed.

Calcium Acetate Interaction

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The interactions of calcium acetate differ from one person to the next. As a result, predicting whether it will work on a patient is challenging. Nonetheless, this medicine's side effects aren't well-known; therefore, it's safe.

  • Specific pharmaceutical goods, on the other hand, have been found to interact with such medications better than others. 

Calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil, other calcium supplements, calcium antacids, iron supplements, and others, fall under this category.

  • Other medications, such as bisphosphonates, thyroid medications, and phenytoin, may be affected by this substance.
  • It also includes tetracycline antibiotics and quinolone antibiotics.

Things to Remember

  • Calcium Acetate is principally a calcium salt of acetic acid with the formula C4H6CaO4.
  • It plays an important role in keeping individuals with kidney issues healthy.
  • The compound can bond with another chemical ion as it contains only one metallic atom.
  • Chemistry teachers use calcium acetate for the preparation of California Snowballs along with ethanol.
  • The compound is still not available in its purest form.

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Sample Questions

Ques: What is calcium acetate used for? (2 marks)

Ans: Calcium acetate is used to treat hyperphosphatemia, or too much phosphate in the blood, in patients with end-stage kidney failure who are on dialysis. Calcium acetate works by binding to phosphate in your diet and removing it from your system without being absorbed.

Ques: What are Calcium Acetate's Negative Effects? (1 mark)

Ans: Diarrhoea, abdominal and stomach pain, nausea, vomiting & other adverse effects of calcium acetate are prevalent. Aside from that, allergies are a side effect of this medicine that isn't commonly known.

Ques: What's the difference between calcium carbonate and calcium acetate, and how do you tell the two apart? (1 mark)

Ans: Calcium carbonate and calcium acetate are two popular phosphate-binding agents. While both are effective, calcium acetate has less elemental calcium.

Ques: What is the procedure for utilizing calcium acetate? (2 marks)

Ans: The best way to take calcium acetate is with food. Individuals should, however, check their doctors before taking this medication. Furthermore, it is critical to consume calcium acetate in the prescribed quantities. Otherwise, there could be a slew of severe consequences.

Ques: Is calcium acetate dangerous? (1 mark)

Ans: For all exposure pathways, acute toxicity data for Calcium Acetate indicate that it is a class IV toxicity. Calcium acetate is not mutagenic or genotoxic and has no sub chronic or developmental harm.

Ques: Is calcium acetate water soluble? (2 marks)

Ans: Calcium acetate is a water-soluble chemical that can be used to alkalize and neutralize paper in both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions. Despite this, calcium acetate is converted to calcium carbonate during the neutralization process, releasing acetic acid.

Ques: What is calcium acetate used for? (4 marks)

Ans: The uses of calcium acetate are as follows:

  • Calcium acetate is largely used to keep dialysis patients' blood pressure in check. Even though dialysis eliminates phosphate from the body, it may not be sufficient. As a result, calcium acetate pills and other phosphate-removing drugs are used.
  • Furthermore, eliminating excess phosphate keeps the bones healthy and prevents harmful materials from accumulating in the human body. It also lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke, both of which can be caused by high phosphate levels. 
  • Calcium acetate was also used as a starting material for acetone production because of its low cost. This practice, however, has come to an end since the cumene process was introduced.
  • Soy milk and calcium sulphate are historically used to make tofu. Calcium acetate, on the other hand, has proven to be a superior choice for this purpose. It's soluble, so you'll need less of it.

Ques: Why do patients take calcium acetate? (2 marks)

Ans: Calcium acetate helps in the regulation of phosphate levels and the elimination of their detrimental effects on the human body. It also lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke, both of which can be caused by high phosphate levels. It helps in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia and prevents high blood phosphate levels in patients who are on dialysis. 

Ques: How much calcium acetate should I take? (3 marks)

Ans: Calcium acetate intake will entirely depend on the medical condition of the patient and his or her present treatment. Furthermore, the timing of this drug is critical. It is usually consumed by the lips during a meal.

  • Furthermore, if calcium acetate drugs are taken in liquid form, a medication-measuring instrument should be used instead of a household spoon as overdosing is dangerous, a precise dose is required.

Ques: Answer the following question: (A) What is the color of calcium acetate?
(B) Does calcium acetate dissolve in water? (2 marks)

Ans: (A) The color of calcium acetate is white.

(B) Calcium acetate is soluble in water and alkalize paper in aqueous and non-aqueous ways.

Ques: What are the safety precaution of calcium acetate? (4 marks)

Ans: The safety precaution of calcuium acetate include:

  • Informing their doctor about any allergies they may have is the most crucial safety measure that people may take.
  • Because calcium acetate contains inactive ingredients, it may cause allergic reactions.
  • Moreover, this medication is not to be used by anyone with specific medical issues.
  • Therefore, see a doctor before consuming it.
  • In the case of pregnant women, calcium acetate should also only be administered when absolutely essential.
  • Despite the little risk of injury to the unborn child, people should consult a doctor before using it.

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CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

1.

Which of the following compounds would undergo aldol condensation, which the Cannizzaro reaction and which neither? Write the structures of the expected products of aldol condensation and Cannizzaro reaction. 
\((i) Methanal \)
\((ii) 2-Methylpentanal \)
\((iii) Benzaldehyde \)
\((iv) Benzophenone \)
\((v) Cyclohexanone \)
\((vi) 1-Phenylpropanone \)
\((vii) Phenylacetaldehyde \)
\((viii) Butan-1-ol \)
\((ix) 2, 2-Dimethylbutanal\)

      2.

      Give the IUPAC names of the following compounds:

      (i)CH3CH(Cl)CH(Br)CH3

      (ii)CHF2CBrClF

      (iii)ClCH2C≡CCH2Br

      (iv)(CCl3)3CCl

      (v)CH3C(p-ClC6H4)2CH(Br)CH3

      (vi)(CH3)3CCH=CClC6H4I-p

          3.
          In the button cells widely used in watches and other devices the following reaction takes place:
          Zn(s) + Ag2O(s) + H2O(l) \(\rightarrow\) Zn2+(aq) + 2Ag(s) + 2OH-  (aq) 
          Determine \(\triangle _rG^\ominus\) and \(E^\ominus\) for the reaction.

              4.
              Depict the galvanic cell in which the reaction Zn(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + 2Ag(s) takes place. Further show: 
               (i) Which of the electrode is negatively charged? 
               (ii) The carriers of the current in the cell. 
               (iii) Individual reaction at each electrode.

                  5.

                  Draw the structures of optical isomers of: 
                  (i) \([Cr(C_2O_4)_3]^{3–}\)
                  (ii) \([PtCl_2(en)_2]^{2+}\)
                  (iii) \([Cr(NH_3)2Cl_2(en)]^{+}\)

                      6.

                      Write equations of the following reactions: 
                      (i)Friedel-Crafts reaction–alkylation of anisole.
                      (ii)Nitration of anisole.

                      (iii)Bromination of anisole in ethanoic acid medium.
                      (iv)Friedel-Craft’s acetylation of anisole.

                       

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