Reaction Between Carbon Dioxide and Limewater
Description: Carbon dioxide gas bubbling through limewater produces a precipitate. Sources of carbon dioxide include exhaled breath, Alkaseltzer® tablets, or dry ice. The precipitate will redissolve if the concentration of carbon dioxide is high enough.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 329
Keywords: Carbon dioxide, Precipitates, Equilibrium, Limewater, Solubility
Rating: 
Hazard: Some
- Acute oral toxicity hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Serious eye damage
Effectiveness: Average
- Results are observable with guidance
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Good reliability
- Time to results is medium
- Primary effects are observed
Difficulty: Medium
- Some concerted or timed manipulations
- Procedures with some intermediate steps to results
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Avoid inhalation or ingestion
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
Class: Aqueous Equilibrium and Precipitation Reactions, Main Group Elements
Division: General
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