Calcium acetate

Calcium Acetate is a chemical compound used in a variety of applications, including as a food additive, in the treatment of kidney disease, and in the production of certain types of plastics. Its chemical formula is C4H6CaO4.

Chemical Properties

Calcium acetate is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in water. It is a salt, formed by the reaction of acetic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. When heated, it decomposes to form calcium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and acetone.

Uses

Food Additive

In the food industry, calcium acetate is used as a preservative and a stabilizer. It is often found in baked goods, where it acts to inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria and to maintain the texture and volume of the product.

Medical Uses

In medicine, calcium acetate is used as a phosphate binder in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia, a condition characterized by elevated phosphate levels in the blood. This is common in patients with chronic kidney disease, as the kidneys are unable to remove excess phosphate from the blood. By binding to the phosphate in the digestive tract, calcium acetate prevents its absorption into the bloodstream.

Industrial Uses

Calcium acetate is also used in the production of certain types of plastics, including polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol. It acts as a catalyst in the polymerization process, speeding up the reaction and improving the quality of the final product.

Safety

While generally considered safe for use in food and medicine, calcium acetate can cause side effects in some individuals, including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, it can cause high levels of calcium in the blood, a condition known as hypercalcemia.

See Also

• Calcium carbonate
• Acetic acid
• Hyperphosphatemia
• Polyvinyl acetate
• Polyvinyl alcohol