Calcium hydroxide

Calcium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula Ca(OH)₂, commonly known as slaked lime or hydrated lime[1][2][4]. It typically appears as a white powder or colorless crystal with a crystalline, basic structure[3][5]. It is prepared by adding water to calcium oxide (quicklime) in an exothermic reaction[1][2]. Calcium hydroxide is only slightly soluble in water (forming an alkaline solution called limewater), decomposes at elevated temperatures, and readily reacts with acids, carbon dioxide, and some metals[3][4]. Its major uses are in construction (as a component of mortar and plaster), water treatment (pH adjustment, flocculation), agriculture (soil neutralization, pesticide), food processing, and as an antibacterial agent in dentistry[1][2][4][5]. Calcium hydroxide is not a biological receptor, enzyme, or therapeutic target; rather, it is an industrial and chemical agent with broad, non-targeted biological and environmental effects[2][4]. Additional context: Calcium hydroxide is a chemical compound and not a biological target (such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter). Therefore, it does *not* fit the category of conventional drug targets. If the intent was to refer to a specific biological target related to calcium or hydroxide (e.g., calcium-sensing receptor), please clarify, as "calcium hydroxide" itself is not a therapeutic molecular target and this is an incorrect assignment for such target information[2][4].

Other names

slaked limehydrated limeslack limedead limepickling limecaustic limelimewaterwhitewashcalcium dihydroxideportlandite (mineral form)