Lime or
quicklime (CaO) production essentially involves the thermal decomposition
reaction that limestone undergoes in the blast furnace.
The limestone is
roasted in a lime kiln with an open top.
–CaCO3(s) ® CaO(s) + CO2(g)
Lime is used in agriculture to
neutralize acid soils and to improve drainage in soils
containing a large amount of clay.
It finds
use in glass manufacture, as well as starting material for the
production of slaked lime (hydrated lime), which is
calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).