CH3COO2Ca

Calcium acetate, with the chemical formula CH3COO2Ca, is the calcium salt of acetic acid. It is also known as calcium diacetate. This compound typically appears as a white solid and is soluble in water. It is formed by the reaction of calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide with acetic acid. The chemical structure consists of a calcium ion (Ca2+) bonded to two acetate ions (CH3COO-).

Calcium acetate has found various applications. In the food industry, it is used as a food additive with the E number E263, primarily serving as a preservative and acidity regulator. It can help prevent spoilage and maintain the desired pH of food products. Additionally, calcium acetate is employed in medicine, particularly in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia, a condition characterized by high levels of phosphate in the blood. It acts as a phosphate binder, preventing the absorption of dietary phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract. It is also used in some industrial processes, such as a component in biodegradable plastics and as a mordant in dyeing textiles.