Kalciumbikarbonat

Kalciumbikarbonat, also known as calcium hydrogen carbonate, is a chemical compound with the formula Ca(HCO3)2. It is formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water containing calcium carbonate. This process is commonly referred to as the formation of temporary hardness in water. Kalciumbikarbonat is highly soluble in water, unlike calcium carbonate, which is relatively insoluble. This difference in solubility is significant in natural processes.

The presence of dissolved kalciumbikarbonat in water is responsible for the formation of limestone caves. As water containing dissolved kalciumbikarbonat seeps through underground rock formations rich in calcium carbonate, it can deposit calcium carbonate, leading to the growth of stalactites and stalagmites over long periods. When water containing kalciumbikarbonat is heated, the dissolved carbon dioxide is released, causing the precipitation of insoluble calcium carbonate. This is why heating hard water can lead to the formation of scale in kettles and pipes. The reversible nature of this reaction allows for the continuous formation and dissolution of calcium carbonate under varying conditions.