Calciumacetaat

Calciumacetaat, also known as calcium acetate, is a chemical compound with the formula Ca(CH3COO)2. It is a white, crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. The compound is obtained by neutralizing acetic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. Industrially, calciumacetate is produced in large quantities, often as a by‑product of the production of acetic acid.

Calciumacetaat serves several practical purposes. In the food industry it is used as a preservative and a source of calcium in fortified products, such as dairy alternatives and baked goods. In antiseptic and nasal irrigation solutions it functions as a mild salt that reduces irritation. In healthcare settings it is employed as a controversial treatment for sleep disorders; the drug was marketed in the United States under the brand name Acid Sol before it was banned due to a lack of proven efficacy.

The compound is generally recognized as safe at low dietary concentrations. However, ingestion of large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. Skin and eye contact may cause mild irritation. Calciumacetaat is stable under normal storage conditions but should be kept away from strong acids and bases to prevent decomposition.

In the laboratory, calcium acetate is used as a source of calcium ions for various synthesis reactions, as a buffering agent, and as a convenient reagent for the crystallization of calcium salts. Its solubility and neutral pH make it a versatile reagent in both analytical chemistry and industrial processes.