Calcium acetate
[CAS# 62-54-4]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Water, electrolyte and acid-base balance regulator >> Electrolyte balance regulator
• Name: Calcium acetate
• Synonyms: Acetic acid calcium salt
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₆CaO₄
• Molecular Weight: 158.17
• CAS Registry Number: 62-54-4
• EC Number: 200-540-9
• SMILES: CC(=O)[O-].CC(=O)[O-].[Ca+2]

Properties

• Solubility: 29.% w/w (water, 100 °C)
• Density: 1.5 g/mL
• Melting point: 160 °C (decomp.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302

Discovery and Applications

Calcium acetate (Ca(C2H3O2)2), also known as acetate of lime, has been known since the early 19th century. It was originally discovered during the study of acetic acid and its salts and is produced by the reaction of acetic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. The resulting white crystalline powder is highly soluble in water and alcohol, forming solutions with a mild vinegary taste.

The main application of calcium acetate is in medicine, particularly for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Calcium acetate binds to dietary phosphate in the intestine, reducing its absorption and helping to maintain normal serum phosphate levels. This helps prevent complications associated with elevated phosphate levels, such as bone disease and cardiovascular disease. Its use as a phosphate binder has been approved by regulatory agencies, including the FDA, and has become an important component of CKD management.

In the food industry, calcium acetate acts as a preservative and buffering agent. It helps control acidity and extend the shelf life of various products. In baked goods, it acts as a leavening agent, improving texture and volume by releasing carbon dioxide during the baking process. In some dairy products, it is added to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, thereby improving safety and quality. In addition, calcium acetate helps enhance nutrition and improve public health as a source of calcium in fortified foods.

In addition to food and pharmaceuticals, calcium acetate is used in many industrial applications. In concrete production, it is used as an additive to improve the properties of concrete, increasing its strength and durability. It also acts as an accelerator in cement, speeding up the curing process and improving the efficiency of construction projects.

In the textile industry, calcium acetate is used as a mordant in the dyeing process to fix the dye to the fabric, ensuring consistent color quality. In addition, its role in water treatment includes precipitating impurities, helping to clarify water and wastewater, and supporting environmental sustainability by improving water quality.

Calcium acetate is used in a variety of household products. In cleaners, it acts as a water softener, preventing scale buildup and improving cleaning efficiency. Adding it to de-icing solutions helps prevent ice from forming on surfaces, enhancing safety in winter conditions. In personal care products, it acts as a buffer, maintaining stability and performance.

Calcium acetate is safe when used appropriately. In medical applications, it should be prescribed under professional guidance to ensure proper dosing and minimize potential side effects, such as hypercalcemia. In industrial and food applications, it should be used in accordance with established safety standards to ensure consumer and environmental safety.

Calcium acetate is considered environmentally friendly. Its production and use support sustainable practices by reducing waste and increasing efficiency in various processes. Its biodegradability further minimizes environmental impact, making it a top choice for applications that prioritize environmental protection.

Research continues to explore new uses for calcium acetate, particularly in advanced materials and environmental applications. Innovations in green chemistry and materials science aim to increase the efficiency of its production and expand its role in sustainable technologies, contributing to ongoing efforts to address global challenges such as climate change and resource management.

References

2003. Evaluation of a high temperature immobilised enzyme reactor for production of non-reducing oligosaccharides. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 30(4).
DOI: 10.1007/s10295-003-0051-3

2013. Chronic kidney disease: calcium-based versus non-calcium-based phosphate binders: effect on mortality in patients with CKD. Nature Reviews Nephrology, 9(10).
DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2013.132

2018. L-thyroxine malabsorption due to calcium carbonate impairs blood pressure, total cholesterolemia, and fasting glycemia. Endocrine, 62(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1798-7