Sun, 03 May 2026 14:58:46 +0000

Calcium Oxide and Water: The Explosive Reaction That Shocks Everyone Calcium oxide, commonly known as quicklime, is a powerful chemical compound that has fascinated scientists, engineers, and even casual observers due to its explosive reactivity with water. When calcium oxide (CaO) meets water, the reaction is not only fast but can generate significant heat and even combust, producing calcium hydroxide and releasing enough energy to ignite nearby materials. This dramatic interaction, sometimes mistaken for a small explosion, captivates audiences and raises important safety and engineering considerations. ### What Is Calcium Oxide? Calcium oxide is a dense, white, caustic powder formed by burning limestone (calcium carbonate, CaCO₃) at high temperatures. Its chemical formula, CaO, reveals one calcium atom bonding with one oxygen atom, resulting in a highly reactive material. Because of its strong base character and exothermic properties, calcium oxide is widely used in construction, steel manufacturing, water treatment, and in chemical production.