C12H14CaO4

C12H14CaO4 is the chemical formula for calcium acetate, a calcium salt of acetic acid. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Calcium acetate has the chemical structure [Ca(CH3COO)2]. It is a common food additive, used as a preservative and flavoring agent. It is also used in medicine as a phosphate binder for patients with kidney disease. In industrial applications, calcium acetate is used as a flocculant and as a component in some types of cement.

The production of calcium acetate typically involves the reaction of calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide with acetic acid. For example, calcium carbonate reacts with acetic acid to produce calcium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide: CaCO3 + 2CH3COOH → Ca(CH3COO)2 + H2O + CO2. The resulting calcium acetate can then be purified through crystallization.

In its role as a food additive, calcium acetate is designated by the E number E263. It functions by lowering the pH and inhibiting the growth of certain microorganisms, thus extending the shelf life of food products. It is often found in baked goods, confectionery, and processed meats. Medically, it is prescribed to manage hyperphosphatemia, a condition where there are excessively high levels of phosphate in the blood, commonly seen in individuals with chronic kidney failure. By binding to dietary phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract, it prevents its absorption into the bloodstream.