Ok, I've read threads that describe the use of calcium hydroxide (usually neutralized with acetic acid). I'm a big fan of DIY so rather than by a calcium reactor, I like the idea of a homemade source of Ca(OH)2. I went to my local hardware store to check out their lime mix and here's the ingredient list:
Neutralizing value as CaCO3 eq, min (%): 131.51
Calcium (Ca), min (%): 51.88
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3), max (%): 4.0
Calcium Hydroxide (CaO) min (%):95.9
Magnesium (Mg), min (%): 0.37
Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3), min (%): 0.0
Magnesium Oxide (MgO), min (%): 0.62
Any problems here? Technically, what they call calcium hydroxide is actually calcium oxide but I think when it mixes with water it should get hydrated to Ca(OH)2.
CaO + H2O ---> Ca(OH)2
is that correct?
My concern is the reactivity of Magnesium hydroxide... I'm unsure of the chemistry here but I believe the MgO will hydrate to Mg(OH)2 just like the CaO above. Then, if I'm neutralizing it with vinegar the reaction should proceed like this:
Mg(OH)2 + 2 CH3COOH ---> Mg+2 (aq) + 2 CH3COO- (aq) + 2 H2O
This would be similar to the reactivityof calcium hydroxide right? Creating free magnisium ions would be a good thing right?
Anyways, If anyone has any insights about this ingredient list or the chemistry involved, I'd love to hear them
