Calcium oxide (CaO),
commonly known as quicklime or burnt
lime, is a widely
used chemical compound. It is a
white, caustic, alkalinecrystalline solid
at room temperature. The broadly used term "lime" connotes
calcium-containing inorganic materials, which include carbonates,
oxides and hydroxides of calcium, silicon, magnesium, aluminium,
and iron predominate, such as limestone. By contrast,
"quicklime" specifically applies to a single chemical
compound.
