Question

In the laboratory preparation, calcium hydroxide is preferred than other caustic alkalis. Explain why.

Answer 1

Calcium hydroxide $\left(\mathrm{Ca}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2\right)$ is preferred over other caustic alkalis:

• As calcium hydroxide is less expensive (cheap) than other caustic alkalis, it is chosen.
• It does not show deliquescent nature. The process by which a material absorbs moisture from the atmosphere until it dissolves and forms a solution in the absorbed water is known as deliquescence.