The use of lime in the garden. Features of the use of slaked and quicklime substances

Achieving any goal is a daily work. If your goal is to get a good harvest, then you will need not only to invest your work, but also to provide your garden and garden with proper care, attention and care. Surely, the experience of many years has taught everyone that when growing something in the garden and vegetable garden, one cannot do without chemicals.

Most likely, everyone has heard of slaked lime in one area or another of conversation. Hydrated lime (or, as it is also called, fluff) has a chemical name - calcium hydroxide. It is interesting that such lime is used in various fields: construction, water softening, leather tanning, dentistry, and the chemical industry. It also found application in horticulture.

The composition of slaked lime is quite simple, it is dominated by calcium oxides. The process of obtaining (extinguishing) is also not complicated, and consists in adding water and thoroughly mixing.

It is not difficult to prepare slaked lime (fluff), for this you need to extinguish (mix) it with water, which takes about 10-20 minutes. During the quenching process, a safe, healthy top dressing is produced.

The main rule is that the water for extinguishing should be cold so that the lime does not lose its beneficial substances.

The use of slaked lime is widely used in horticulture. A simple, unpretentious way has long been one of the main tools for experienced gardeners. Some of the application methods:

• Weed control: Some types of weeds can be completely removed from the garden by liming the soil in the autumn. Application rate - 300-400 gr per sq.m. After the procedure, you will not be afraid of weeds: horsetail, wheatgrass, wood lice, horse sorrel.
• Slaked lime can also be added to the compost pit - this way you will speed up the process of decomposition of its contents.
• Deoxidation of the soil with the help of liming requires compliance with the norms and doses: heavy and clay soils - 600-900 gr. per sq.m, light, loamy - 400-500 gr. per sq. m, light, sandy - 300-400 gr. per sq.m. Land liming is carried out once every 3-4 years.
• The process of whitewashing trees is very simple. It is recommended to use lime of the highest or first grade. Lime is diluted until a rich white color is obtained, the approximate proportion is 1: 1.

The difference between slaked and quicklime

It would be logical to think that if there is slaked lime, then there must be quicklime. How does it differ from slaked, and where is it used? No matter how contradictory it may sound, but the word "lime" is of Greek origin and means "inextinguishable".

Quicklime has a granular appearance. Previously, quicklime could be used for construction work as cement, but as a result of this application, its not the best properties were noticed, namely, moisture absorption and reproduction of fungal mold. Despite this, quicklime is widely used in construction for the production of slag concrete, paints, silicate bricks, and plaster materials. In the food industry, quicklime acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind substances whose properties do not allow them to dissolve in each other. Also, quicklime is used in the process of neutralization of waste water, flue gases.

The main difference between hydrated and quicklime is the chemical formula. Slaked lime is calcium hydroxide, quicklime is calcium oxide. Unlike slaked lime, which is most commonly found in powder form, quicklime is a granule.

Lime slaking rules and safety precautions

Dehydration is the process of slaking lime. Before you start working with lime, be sure to apply all safety measures:

• your clothes should be tight, wear gloves, a respirator, goggles;
• quenching must be carried out exclusively in a metal container;
• if extinguishing is carried out indoors, ensure good ventilation;
• if lime gets into the eyes or on the skin, wash the affected area with a weak vinegar solution or plenty of water, and then consult a doctor.

Dehydration is carried out in open space. According to the rate of quenching, they distinguish:

• quick-extinguishing lime - up to 8 minutes;
• medium slaking lime - up to 25 minutes;
• slow-extinguishing lime - more than 25 minutes.

The slaking process is the addition of water to quicklime. The addition of water should be carried out slowly so as not to lower the temperature, because. heat is released during the extinguishing process.

It is necessary to store lime in certain conditions. Prepare a storage pit, sprinkle the solution on top with a layer of sand of 20 cm (if storage is planned in frost, then a layer of earth 50-70 cm can be added on top of the sand). Enclose the pit - for the safety of people and animals.

Features of the use of fluff in the garden and vegetable garden

Slaked lime is an organic substance. The main elements of fluff are calcite and dolomite. As already mentioned, slaked lime can be used as a fertilizer and as a protective agent in the garden.

Rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium, fluff quickly gained popularity in horticulture. Moreover, potassium, which is part of the composition, has a form that is quickly absorbed by plants. Calcium should be part of the soil, is responsible for plant immunity, protection against diseases, so slaked lime is an economical and effective option for feeding the soil with calcium. In addition to its direct effect, calcium activates the activity of microorganisms, and they begin to release nitrogen. The use of fluff contributes to a change in the chemical composition of the soil, its normalization and the acquisition of the necessary functions and components.

Lime is a versatile substance that, due to its extensive and varied properties, can be used in almost any field of activity. It can be of various types, depending on the selection criteria, and is divided into several varieties. The options for preparing solutions with its content do not differ much from each other and do not cause difficulties, so this raw material can be used independently without the involvement of specialists.

Peculiarities

Quicklime is calcium oxide obtained by roasting calcium carbonate, it has a finely porous structure. Sometimes quicklime is called boiled lime.

Advantages over slaked lime

It has many advantages over the slaked variety:

• high strength;
• absorbs less moisture;
• work with this material can be carried out in winter;
• no waste;
• very broad scope.

Quicklime is dangerous to human health, therefore it is advisable to carry out work in open space, using protective equipment.

A good advantage of quicklime can be considered a low cost in comparison with other mixtures. Lime material is resistant to temperature extremes, it does not crack, it has antimicrobial properties.

Specifications

Lime is a substance that is often found in nature (mainly in rocks), and the product is manufactured in full compliance with established standards, because mixtures based on this basis must perform protective functions at a high level.

Ready lime should consist only of carbonate rocks (limestone) with a small clay content. Various additives and impurities are allowed in the composition of the material based on GOSTs, depending on the application.

Limestone is very similar in appearance to chalk or coke, but they have different properties and are not interchangeable. To distinguish limestone from chalk, you can drop water on them. The chalk will not give any reaction, but the limestone will begin to foam and give off heat. If you use chalk to whitewash walls, it will leave marks on clothes and surfaces in contact with the wall. Lime does not leave any traces, so it is most often used for whitewashing walls.

Quicklime is divided into three grades (1, 2 and 3), and slaked lime is subdivided into 1st and 2nd grade. The exception is powdered quicklime, it is divided into two grades and has additives. Other types are made without impurities.

By external physical indicators, for example, by color, it is possible to determine the grade of the material. After heat treatment of limestone, quicklime is obtained, and if it has a white color, this means that the material does not contain additives and belongs to a high grade. In other cases, the material has a grayish color, most often it is dolomitic and hydraulic lime.

The production of lime material consists of the extraction of the rocks themselves, their crushing to the required size and subsequent firing in special kilns. Currently, shaft and rotary tube furnaces are most commonly used because they provide a uniform temperature effect on the material and a continuous firing process.

The strength of raw materials is affected by the temperature during firing and the production process itself. There are three strength options for the finished product: hard burnt, medium burnt and soft burnt lime.

Soft lime is very popular in construction, due to the following properties:

• the extinguishing process is fast, about 3 minutes;
• such material has a small size and low density.

Lime belongs to a low hazard class, but safety precautions must be observed during transportation and storage. Since quicklime reacts violently with water, it is necessary to make sure that moisture cannot get on the material.

The composition of lime most often includes various mineral additives that improve the properties of the material: granulated blast-furnace slag, quartz sand and other substances.

Kinds

There are two types of lime, which are distinguished by the amount of calcium silicates and aluminoferrites they contain: air and hydraulic. They perform various functions, for example, air speeds up the concrete hardening process, and hydraulic speeds up reactions in water.

It is important that all fragments of the substance are of the same size. This moment indicates that the raw material was completely calcined in the furnace. If too large or too small pieces are encountered, they may not be completely heat treated, and this will reduce the quality of the finished material.

According to the type of processing, several types of material are distinguished:

• quick-cooked lump (boiler);
• quicklime ground (powdered);
• slaked hydrate - Ca (OH) 2;
• lime dough;
• lime milk.

lump lime

Lump lime is a mixture of lumps that differ in size. It consists of calcium oxide and magnesium, as well as materials such as calcium carbonate, aluminates, silicates. Magnesium or calcium ferrites, which are formed during the firing of raw materials, can be added.

The good strength of concrete is ensured by the fact that lump lime requires very little water (due to the fine grinding of the material) and generates practically no waste.

ground lime

Ground lime has the same composition as lump lime, but the difference lies in the fact that lumps of raw materials are ground much stronger and more thoroughly.

The main advantages of ground lime:

• strength;
• water resistance;
• fast hardening.

To increase or decrease the rate of hardening, calcium chloride or sulfuric acid is often used (gypsum material is also suitable).

Hydrated lime

Hydrated lime (also called fluff) is a slaked type of material with a highly dispersive composition. Quenching occurs by adding water to the lime raw material. To prepare such a solution, 70 to 100% water is added to the powder.

In order for the lime to completely go through the slaking process, it must be placed in a special pit for 2-3 weeks. So it will gain optimal strength and ductility. The minimum redemption period is 36 hours. In order to prevent the raw material from burning out, it is advisable to add water gradually until the moment when steam ceases to be released.

Lime dough is formed when sufficient water is added to form a plastic material. You can also find a solution such as milk of lime (mainly used for whitewashing tree trunks). Milk of lime is obtained by adding excess water to lime paste.

Formulation types

Depending on the scope of application, the following types of compositions are distinguished:

• building lime- it is added for the preparation of concrete and cement mixtures in order to increase the strength of the composition;
• hydraulic- also used for the production of concrete, but low grades. Ideal for structures that are located in areas with high humidity;
• Komovaya- mainly used to prepare a solution for whitewashing;
• Sadovaya- used in agriculture as a soil fertilizer, treatment of plants from insect pests, protection from decay and improvement of growth, it is highly undesirable to use it simultaneously with other types of additives and fertilizers;
• soda– used in the chemical industry and in medicine;
• Chloric- used as a disinfectant and for water purification.

Lime classification by slaking time

• quick-extinguishing (up to 8 minutes);
• medium extinguishing (up to 25 minutes);
• slow-extinguishing (from 25 minutes).

Types of air lime

Depending on the percentage of presence in the composition of magnesium oxide, there are such types of air lime:

• calcium;
• magnesian;
• dolomite.

Scope of application

Lime is used in many areas.

• In agriculture, lime is used to control pests, reduce soil acidity, prevent the appearance of fungus, supplement animal nutrition, improve land cultivation, replenish calcium and phosphorus. It is best to treat heavy soil with quicklime. Lime is widely used as a material for whitewashing trees and processing plants.
• Construction. It is used to accelerate the hardening of cement and impart plasticity to the composition, is involved in the production of thermal insulation materials and dry building mixtures, and serves as a link in building structures.
• Ferrous metallurgy - enriches ferruginous and polymetallic ores.
• Chemical industry - used in the paint and varnish, perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. It is used as a reagent and as a neutralizer of acid tars.
• Pulp and paper industry.
• Textile industry.

Chlorine lime is used for disinfection and washing of public places. because it has disinfectant properties. Quicklime is used even in the food industry for mixing substances, and milk of lime is used to make sugar. Soda lime is used in medicine (artificial ventilation of the lungs or for anesthesia) and for respiratory systems (scuba gear, respirators and other devices).

Coating wooden surfaces with lime mortar protects them from rotting processes and fires.

How to use?

When preparing a lime mortar, it is important to ensure the safe interaction of raw materials with water for humans. It is advisable to carry out work in a well-ventilated area, and preferably in an open space. Since the substances used are chemicals, it is necessary to adhere to safety rules when working with such materials.

The powder substance can be used both in dry form and in liquid form. To prepare a liquid solution, the powder is poured into a container and filled with water. The solution must be mixed and diluted to the desired consistency.

For whitewashing trees, the raw material is diluted with water and applied to the tree trunk with a wide brush. But due to the liquid consistency of the solution, it will be necessary to process the barrel several times. In order to reduce the time of work, you can add clay, milk, PVA glue to the solution. These ingredients will make the mixture thick and viscous, it will evenly fall on the surface. Before processing the tree, all dead layers of bark must be removed, while not damaging the trunk.

To protect plants from fungus, you can use soda ash instead of lime, because soda dissolves faster and completely in water.

You should not treat the soil with too much lime, as it will become alkaline, which will also not contribute to good growth and development of plants. It is impossible to use manure and lime at the same time, because such a combination will prevent the formation of useful substances.

Before using bleach, check the reaction of the surface. To do this, you can treat a small area, and if it remains intact after about 10 minutes, then you can use bleach for the entire surface. First, water is added to the raw material in a small amount and mixed until sour cream, and then more water is gradually added, also stirring, until a liquid solution is formed. In dry form, bleach is used only on wet surfaces.

Slaked lime (other names: calcium hydroxide, slaked lime, hydrated slaked lime) is obtained by the interaction of water and calcium oxide (quicklime). Quicklime - lumpy or ground is doused with water. From the ratio of the amount of water and quicklime, various mixtures can be obtained. If water makes up 60-80% of the amount of lime, we get fluff, by further dilution with water, lime dough and lime milk are obtained, respectively.

The process of obtaining slaked lime (dehydration)

The process of dehydration takes place in open areas or in special creations (a wooden box, or just a pit). The rate of quenching can be different, in connection with this, there are types and slaked lime has the following characteristics:

• quick-extinguishing lime (about 8 minutes),
• medium extinguishing (about 25 minutes),
• slow extinguishing (over 25 minutes).

The process itself is accompanied by the release of heat, in order not to lower the temperature, water must be added gradually. Freshly slaked lime may contain residues of raw materials, they are reused, eventually disposed of.

The density of the resulting slaked lime can be adjusted by adding water by kneading. Stop adding water should be when the latter ceases to be absorbed by the solution.

The quantity directly depends on the quality of primary raw materials. The higher the quality, the higher the output. So from 1 kg of raw materials of the first grade, you can get more than 2 kg of lime dough, from second-class raw materials, the yield will be less.

Slaked lime storage

The solution is placed in a special pit, a twenty-centimeter layer of fine-grained sand is applied on top. In the cold season, in order to avoid freezing of the solution, an additional earthen layer (approximately 70 cm) is laid. The storage place is fenced with special marks and kept until the smallest particles are extinguished. The ingress of unslaked grains into the solutions is unacceptable, as they can provoke swelling of the coating.

Depending on the further use of slaked lime, the exposure time depends. For use in mortars and mixtures for masonry, a two-week exposure is sufficient, and for use in mortars for plastering, the exposure should be at least a month.

Application

The scope of slaked lime is quite extensive. It is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, water softeners, slaked lime for whitewashing, and even in dentistry. But as an excellent binding material, lime has found wide application in construction. Slaked lime or lime paste is widely used as an additive in building mixtures, as it has properties that can fight fungus and mold, and is also an excellent pest control (rodents and insects).

Unlike quicklime (boiling), slaked lime in the dough has a very long shelf life, and the longer it is stored, the better the quality indicators become.
Almost all mortars are made on the basis of sand and water with the addition of various additional components. Lime mortars are prepared in the same way, only with the addition of slaked lime.

The process of preparing lime mortar is simple - water is added and sifted sand is gradually introduced with constant stirring. It is desirable to pass the resulting solution through a sieve to screen out foreign fractions and for greater uniformity. Due to the fact that pure lime mortar hardens for a long time, gypsum or cement is added to it.

Lime has been widely used since ancient times, currently solutions with lime are widely used in the construction of agricultural buildings, in the construction of country houses, and simply as a whitewash. This is due to the low cost of such solutions.

Its application.

Slaked lime(formula – Ca(OH)2) is a strong base. May be found frequently in some sources under the name calcium hydroxide or "fluff".

Properties: It is presented as a white powder, which is slightly soluble in water. The lower the temperature of the medium, the lower the solubility. The products of its reaction with acid are the corresponding calcium salts. For example, when slaked lime is immersed in sulfuric acid, calcium sulfate and water are obtained. If you leave a solution of "fluff" in the air, it will interact with one of the components of the latter - carbon dioxide. During this process, the solution becomes cloudy. The products of this reaction are calcium carbonate and water. If we continue bubbling carbon dioxide, the reaction will end with the formation of calcium bicarbonate, which is destroyed when the temperature of the solution rises. Slaked lime and carbon monoxide will interact at t about 400 ° C, the already known carbonate and hydrogen will become its products. The substance can also react with salts, but only if the process ends with precipitation, for example, if you mix "fluff" with sodium sulfite, then sodium hydroxide and calcium sulfite will become the reaction products.

What is lime made of? The very name "slaked" already indicates that something was quenched to obtain this substance. As everyone knows, any chemical compound (and indeed anything) is usually quenched with water. And she has something to respond to. In chemistry, there is a substance called "quicklime". So, by adding water to it, the desired compound is obtained.

Application: Slaked lime is used for whitewashing any room. Also, with its help, water is softened: if you add "fluff" to calcium bicarbonate, then hydrogen oxide and an insoluble precipitate are formed - carbonate of the corresponding metal. Hydrated lime is used in tanning leather, caustification of sodium and potassium carbonates, obtaining calcium compounds, various organic acids and many other substances.

With the help of a solution of "fluff" - the notorious lime water - you can detect the presence of carbon dioxide: when it reacts with it, it becomes cloudy (photo). Dentistry cannot do without the calcium hydroxide discussed now, because thanks to it, in this branch of medicine, it is possible to disinfect the root canals of the teeth. Also, with the help of slaked lime, a lime mortar is made by mixing it with sand. A similar mixture was used in ancient times, then not a single building masonry could do without it. However, due to the unnecessary release of water during the reaction of "fluff" with sand, this solution is now successfully replaced with cement. Calcium hydroxide is used to produce lime fertilizers, it is also a food additive E526 ... And many more industries cannot do without its use.

Quicklime– Quicklime (crude calcium oxide) is obtained by calcining limestone containing very little or no clay. It very quickly combines with water, releasing a significant amount of heat and forming slaked lime (calcium hydroxide).

Quicklime has many useful properties, due to this it is widely used in construction, industry and agriculture.

Properties: finely porous pieces of CaO with a size of 5...10 cm, obtained after firing raw materials, the average density is 1600...1700 kg/m3.
Depending on the content of magnesium oxide, air lime is divided into calcium (70 ... 90% CaO and up to 5% MO), magnesian (up to 20% Mg0) and high magnesian or dolomite (Mg0 from 20 to 40%).
Air quicklime is produced in three grades. Depending on the time of slaking lime of all grades, there are: quick-extinguishing lime (slaking time up to 8 minutes); medium-extinguishing (up to 25 min), slow-extinguishing (over 25 min).

Building air lime is divided into three grades.
The density of quicklime varies between 3.1-3.3 g / cm3 and depends mainly on the firing temperature, the presence of impurities, underburning and overburning.
The density of hydrated lime depends on the degree of its crystallization and is equal to 2.23 for Ca (OH) 2 crystallized in the form of hexagonal plates, and 2.08 g / cm3 for amorphous.
Bulk weight of lump quicklime in
piece to a large extent depends on the firing temperature and increases from 1.6 g/cm3 (lime fired at a temperature of 800°C) to 2.9 g/cm3 (long-term firing at a temperature of 1300°C).
The bulk density for other types of lime is as follows: for ground quicklime in loose-filled state 900-1100, in compacted 1100-1300 kg/m3; for hydrated lime (fluff) in a loose-filled state - 400-500, in a compacted 600-700 kg / m3; for lime test-1300-1400 kg/m3.
Plasticity, which determines the ability of the binder to give mortars and concretes workability, is the most important property of lime. The plasticity of lime is associated with its high water-holding capacity. Finely dispersed particles of calcium oxide hydrate, adsorptively retaining a significant amount of water on their surface, create a kind of lubricant for aggregate grains in a mortar or concrete mixture, reducing friction between them. As a result, lime mortars have high workability, are easily and evenly distributed in a thin layer on the surface of brick or concrete, adhere well to them, and are water-retaining even when applied to brick and other porous substrates.

Application: This substance is widely used in various fields of human activity. The largest consumers include: ferrous metallurgy, agriculture, sugar, chemical, pulp and paper industries. CaO is also used in the construction industry. The connection is of particular importance in the field of ecology. Lime is used to remove sulfur oxide from flue gases. The compound is also able to soften water and precipitate organic products and substances present in it. In addition, the use of quicklime ensures the neutralization of natural acidic and waste water. In agriculture, when in contact with soils, the compound eliminates acidity that is harmful to cultivated plants. Quicklime enriches the soil with calcium. Due to this, the workability of the land increases, and the decay of humus accelerates. At the same time, the need to apply nitrogen fertilizers in large doses is reduced.

The hydrated mixture is used in poultry and livestock for feeding. This eliminates the lack of calcium in the diet. In addition, the compound is used to improve general sanitary conditions in the maintenance and breeding of livestock. In the chemical industry, hydrated lime and sorbents are used to produce calcium fluoride and calcium hydrochloride. In the petrochemical industry, the compound neutralizes acid tars, and also acts as a reagent in the main inorganic and organic synthesis. Lime is widely used in construction. This is due to the high environmental friendliness of the material. The mixture is used in the preparation of binders, concretes and mortars, the production of products for construction.

Corrosion of metals and methods of protection against corrosion

Corrosion of metals- the process of destruction of metals and alloys due to chemical or electrochemical interaction with the external environment, as a result of which metals are oxidized and lose their inherent properties. Corrosion is the enemy of metal products. Every year in the world, as a result of corrosion, 10 ... 15% of the smelted metal is lost, or 1 ... 1.5% of the total metal accumulated and exploited by man.

Chemical corrosion- destruction of metals and alloys as a result of oxidation when interacting with dry gases at high temperatures or with organic liquids - petroleum products, alcohol, etc.

Electrochemical corrosion- destruction of metals and alloys in water and aqueous solutions. For the development of corrosion, it is enough that the metal is simply covered with the thinnest layer of adsorbed water (wet surface). Due to the heterogeneity of the metal structure during electrochemical corrosion, galvanic pairs (cathode - anode) are formed in it, for example, between metal grains (crystals) that differ from one another in chemical composition. Metal atoms from the anode pass into solution in the form of cations. These cations combine with the anions contained in the solution to form a rust layer on the metal surface. Basically, metals are destroyed by electrochemical corrosion.

Corrosion of metals causes great economic damage, as a result of corrosion, equipment, machines, mechanisms fail, metal structures are destroyed. Particularly susceptible to corrosion of equipment in contact with an aggressive environment, such as solutions of acids, salts.

Under normal conditions, metals can enter into chemical reactions with substances contained in the environment - oxygen and water. Spots appear on the surface of metals, the metal becomes brittle and cannot withstand loads. This leads to the destruction of metal products, for the manufacture of which a large amount of raw materials, energy and human effort were spent.
Corrosion is the spontaneous destruction of metals and alloys under the influence of environment.
A striking example of corrosion is rust on the surface of steel and cast iron products. Every year, about a quarter of all iron produced in the world is lost due to corrosion. The cost of repairing or replacing ships, cars, appliances and communications, water pipes is many times higher than the cost of the metal from which they are made. Corrosion products pollute the environment and adversely affect the life and health of people.
Chemical corrosion occurs in various chemical industries. In an atmosphere of active gases (hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine), in an environment of acids, alkalis, salts, as well as in molten salts and other substances, specific reactions occur with the involvement of metallic materials from which the devices are made in which the chemical process is carried out. Gas corrosion occurs at elevated temperatures. Furnace fittings, parts of internal combustion engines fall under its influence. Electrochemical corrosion occurs if the metal is contained in any aqueous solution.
The most active environmental components that act on metals are oxygen O2, water vapor H2O, carbon (IV) oxide CO2, sulfur (IV) oxide SO2, nitrogen (IV) oxide NO2. The corrosion process is greatly accelerated when metals come into contact with salt water. For this reason, ships rust faster in sea water than in fresh water.
The essence of corrosion is the oxidation of metals. Corrosion products can be oxides, hydroxides, salts, etc. For example, the corrosion of iron can be schematically described by the following equation:
4Fe + 6H2O + 3O2 → 4Fe(OH) 3.
It is impossible to stop corrosion, but it can be slowed down. There are many ways to protect metals from corrosion, but the main method is to prevent contact of iron with air. To do this, metal products are painted, varnished or coated with a layer of lubricant. In most cases, this is enough to keep the metal from deteriorating for several tens or even hundreds of years. Another way to protect metals from corrosion is the electrochemical coating of the surface of a metal or alloy with other metals that are resistant to corrosion (nickel plating, chromium plating, zinc plating, silver plating and gold plating). In engineering, special corrosion-resistant alloys are often used. To slow down the corrosion of metal products in an acidic environment, special substances are also used - inhibitors.

Life and work of A.M. Butlerov

Alexander Butlerov was born in 1828 in Butlerovka, a small village near Kazan, where his father's estate was located. Sasha did not remember his mother, she died 11 days after his birth. Raised by his father, an educated man, Sasha wanted to be like him in everything.

At first he went to a boarding school, and then entered the First Kazan Gymnasium, whose teachers were very experienced, well-trained, they knew how to interest students. Sasha easily assimilated the material, since from early childhood he was taught to work systematically. He was especially attracted to the natural sciences.

After graduating from the gymnasium, against the wishes of his father, Sasha entered the natural science department of Kazan University, however, so far only as a student, since he was still a minor. Only the following year, 1845, when the young man turned 17, his name appeared on the list of those accepted for the first year.

In 1846, Alexander fell ill with typhus and miraculously survived, but his father, who had contracted it, died. In autumn, together with my aunt, they moved to Kazan. Gradually, youth took its toll, both health and fun returned to Sasha. Young Butlerov studied with exceptional zeal, but, to his surprise, he noticed that lectures on chemistry give him the greatest pleasure. The lectures of Professor Klaus did not satisfy him, and he began to regularly attend the lectures of Nikolai Nikolaevich Zinin, which were given to students of the Physics and Mathematics Department. Very soon, Zinin, observing Alexander during laboratory work, noticed that this fair-haired student was unusually gifted and could become a good researcher.

Butlerov was successful, but more and more often he thought about his future, not knowing what he would eventually choose. Take up biology? But, on the other hand, doesn't the lack of a clear understanding of organic reactions offer endless possibilities for research?

To receive a candidate's degree, Butlerov had to submit a dissertation upon graduation from the university. By this time, Zinin left Kazan for St. Petersburg and he had no choice but to take up the natural sciences. For the candidate's work, Butlerov prepared the article "Daytime butterflies of the Volga-Ural fauna". However, the circumstances were such that Alexander still had to return to chemistry.

After the Council approved his degree, Butlerov remained to work at the university. The only professor of chemistry, Klaus, could not conduct all the classes himself and needed an assistant. Butlerov became them. In the autumn of 1850, Butlerov passed the exams for a master's degree in chemistry and immediately began his doctoral dissertation "On Essential Oils", which he defended at the beginning of the next year. In parallel with the preparation of the lecture, Butlerov engaged in a detailed study of the history of chemical science. The young scientist worked hard in his office, in the laboratory, and at home.

In the opinion of his aunts, their old apartment was uncomfortable, so they rented another, more spacious one from Sofya Timofeevna Aksakova, an energetic and determined woman. She received Butlerov with maternal care, seeing him as a suitable match for her daughter. Despite being constantly busy at the university, Alexander Mikhailovich remained a cheerful and sociable person. He was by no means distinguished by the notorious "professorial absent-mindedness", and his friendly smile and ease of address made him a welcome guest everywhere. Sofya Timofeevna noted with satisfaction that the young scientist was clearly not indifferent to Nadenka. The girl was really good: a high intelligent forehead, large shiny eyes, strict regular features and some special charm. Young people became good friends, and over time they began to increasingly feel the need to be together, sharing their most intimate thoughts. Soon Nadezhda Mikhailovna Glumilina, the niece of the writer S.T. Aksakova became the wife of Alexander Mikhailovich.

Butlerov was known not only as an outstanding chemist, but also as a talented botanist. He conducted various experiments in his greenhouses in Kazan and Butlerovka, wrote articles on the problems of horticulture, floriculture and agriculture. With rare patience and love, he watched the development of delicate camellias, lush roses, brought out new varieties of flowers.

On June 4, 1854, Butlerov received confirmation that he had been awarded the degree of Doctor of Chemistry and Physics. Events unfolded with incredible speed. Immediately after receiving his doctorate, Butlerov was appointed acting professor of chemistry at Kazan University. At the beginning of 1857, he already became a professor, and in the summer of that year he received permission to travel abroad.

Butlerov arrived in Berlin at the end of the summer. He then continued to tour Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France. The ultimate goal of his journey was Paris - the world center of chemical science of that time. He was attracted, first of all, by a meeting with Adolf Würz. Butlerov worked in Wurtz's laboratory for two months. It was here that he began his experimental research, which over the next twenty years culminated in the discovery of dozens of new substances and reactions. Numerous exemplary syntheses of Butler's ethanol and ethylene, tertiary alcohols, polymerization of ethylene hydrocarbons lie at the origins of a number of industries and, thus, had the most direct stimulating effect on it.

While studying hydrocarbons, Butlerov realized that they represent a very special class of chemicals. Analyzing their structure and properties, the scientist noticed that there is a strict pattern here. It formed the basis of the theory of chemical structure he created.

His report at the Paris Academy of Sciences aroused general interest and lively debate. Butlerov said: “Perhaps the time has come when our research should become the basis of a new theory of the chemical structure of substances. This theory will be distinguished by the accuracy of mathematical laws and will make it possible to foresee the properties of organic compounds. No one has yet expressed such thoughts.

A few years later, during a second trip abroad, Butlerov presented the theory he had created for discussion. He made the announcement at the 36th Congress of German Naturalists and Physicians in Speyer. The convention took place in September 1861.

He made a presentation before the chemical section. The topic had a more than modest name: "Something about the chemical structure of bodies."

Butlerov spoke simply and clearly. Without going into unnecessary details, he introduced the audience to a new theory of the chemical structure of organic substances: his report aroused unprecedented interest.

The term "chemical structure" was also encountered before Butlerov, but he rethought it and applied it to define a new concept of the order of interatomic bonds in molecules. The theory of chemical structure now serves as the basis for all modern branches of synthetic chemistry without exception.

So, the theory has declared its right to exist. It required further development, and where, if not in Kazan, should this be done, because a new theory was born there, its creator worked there. For Butlerov, rector's duties turned out to be a heavy and unbearable burden. He several times asked to be relieved of this position, but all his requests remained unsatisfied. Worries did not leave him at home. Only in the garden, taking care of his favorite flowers, did he forget the anxieties and troubles of the past day. Often, his son Misha worked with him in the garden; Alexander Mikhailovich asked the boy about the events at school, and told curious details about the flowers.

The year 1863 came - the happiest year in the life of the great scientist. Butlerov was on the right track. For the first time in the history of chemistry, he managed to obtain the simplest tertiary alcohol - tertiary butyl alcohol, or trimethylcarbinol. Shortly thereafter, reports appeared in the literature about the successful synthesis of primary and secondary butyl alcohols.

Scientists have known isobutyl alcohol since 1852, when it was first isolated from natural vegetable oil. Now there was no question of any dispute, since there were four different butyl alcohols, and all of them are isomers.

In 1862 - 1865, Butlerov expressed the main position of the theory of reversible isomerization of tautomerism, the mechanism of which, according to Butlerov, consisted in the splitting of molecules of one structure and the combination of their residues to form molecules of another structure. It was a brilliant idea. The great scientist argued the need for a dynamic approach to chemical processes, that is, to consider them as equilibrium.

Success brought confidence to the scientist, but at the same time presented him with a new, more difficult task. It was necessary to apply the structural theory to all reactions and compounds of organic chemistry, and most importantly, to write a new textbook on organic chemistry, where all phenomena would be considered from the point of view of a new theory of structure.

Butlerov worked on the textbook for almost two years without a break. The book "Introduction to the Complete Study of Organic Chemistry" was published in three editions in 1864-1866. She did not go in any comparison, with any of the then known textbooks. This inspired work was the revelation of Butlerov, a chemist, experimenter and philosopher, who rebuilt all the material accumulated by science according to a new principle, according to the principle of chemical structure.

The book caused a real revolution in chemical science. Already in 1867, work began on its translation and publication in German. Shortly thereafter, editions appeared in almost all major European languages. According to the German researcher Victor Meyer, she became the "guiding star" in the vast majority of research in organic chemistry.

Since Alexander Mikhailovich finished work on the textbook, he increasingly spent time in Butlerovka. Even during the school year, the family went to the village several times a week. Butlerov felt free from worries here and devoted himself entirely to his favorite hobbies: flowers and collections of insects.

Now Butlerov worked less in the laboratory, but closely followed new discoveries. In the spring of 1868, at the initiative of the famous chemist Mendeleev, Alexander Mikhailovich was invited to St. Petersburg University, where he began to lecture and got the opportunity to organize his own chemical laboratory. Butlerov developed a new methodology for teaching students by offering the now universally accepted laboratory workshop in which students were taught how to work with a variety of chemical equipment.

Simultaneously with his scientific activities, Butlerov is actively involved in the public life of St. Petersburg. At that time, the progressive public was particularly concerned about the education of women. Women should have free access to higher education! The Higher Women's Courses were organized at the Medico-Surgical Academy, classes began at the Bestuzhev Women's Courses, where Butlerov lectured on chemistry.

The multilateral scientific activity of Butlerov was recognized by the Academy of Sciences. In 1871 he was elected an extraordinary academician, and three years later - an ordinary academician, which gave him the right to receive an apartment in the Academy building. Nikolai Nikolaevich Zinin also lived there. Close proximity further strengthened a long-standing friendship.

The years passed inexorably. Working with students became too difficult for him, and Butlerov decided to leave the university. He delivered his farewell lecture on April 4, 1880, to the second-year students. They greeted the news of the departure of their beloved professor with deep chagrin. The Academic Council decided to ask Butlerov to stay and elected him for another five years.

The scientist decided to limit his activities at the university only to reading the main course. And yet, several times a week, he appeared in the laboratory and supervised the work.

Throughout his life, Butlerov carried another passion - beekeeping. On his estate, he organized an exemplary apiary, and in the last years of his life, a real school for peasant beekeepers. Butlerov was proud of his book "The Bee, Its Life and the Rules of Intelligent Beekeeping" almost more than his scientific work.

Butlerov believed that a real scientist should also be a popularizer of his science. In parallel with scientific articles, he published public brochures in which he vividly and colorfully spoke about his discoveries. He completed the last of them six months before his death.

Lime building quicklime- This is a fairly common chemical compound, which, according to the chemical formula, is calcium oxide CaO. Quicklime is a crystalline substance that has a white color.

Obtaining quicklime

Despite the fact that building quicklime has become quite widespread in many areas of human activity, it is quite rare in nature. Therefore, several methods for obtaining quicklime are actively used in industry.

Most often, quicklime is obtained by thermal decomposition of limestone. However, in modern industry, this method has been increasingly abandoned, since the inevitable product of such a reaction is carbon dioxide, which negatively affects nature and the human environment.

An important discovery was the possibility of obtaining quicklime by thermal decomposition of calcium oxygen-containing salts.

The use of quicklime

Since time immemorial, quicklime has been actively used in many areas of human activity. Its application in construction, the food industry and many other areas is known.

Quicklime in construction

Quicklime building lime is widely used in construction. From this substance long time lime cement was made, which, when absorbing carbon dioxide under normal conditions in the open air, quickly hardened. In modern construction, quicklime is used less and less due to the high degree of absorption of moisture by lime cement. The accumulation of moisture inside the walls often led to the development of microorganisms and fungi on the walls of buildings.

It is strictly forbidden to use quicklime for the manufacture of cement for stoves and fireplaces. When exposed to fire and high temperatures, carbon dioxide is released from this substance, which has a toxic effect on humans.

In some cases, it is advisable to make putties from quicklime for wall covering.

Quicklime as a refractory material

Among insignificant and cheap objects, refractory material based on quicklime is widely used. Compared to other refractory quicklime has a significantly lower. cost, which allows it to be used in this capacity where the use of more expensive refractory materials is impossible or impractical.

Quicklime in the food industry

Sufficiently widespread quicklime received in the food industry. In products, it is found as a food additive E-529. In this capacity, quicklime acts as an emulsifier, that is, it allows substances that are immiscible in nature, such as oil and water, to be mixed into a homogeneous mass.

Quicklime in laboratories

In laboratory conditions, quicklime has also found its use. In small quantities, the addition of quicklime can significantly dry out substances that do not react with it.

Quicklime in ecology

Significant amounts of quicklime are also used for the benefit of the environment. Due to its high absorbency, quicklime is used to neutralize waste water and flue gases.

Quicklime for coloring

Coloring quicklime has its own nuances. A dense film after painting with quicklime appears only with a sufficient amount of moisture. That is why painting with this substance is carried out only in rainy and humid weather and on the surface of a wall, floor or ceiling that is not completely dry.

Types of quicklime

The construction industry, which uses quicklime quite densely, dictates its own rules. Thanks to the strong development of construction, quicklime received several varieties.

• 1. Aerial lime used to produce lime cement for ground work;
• 2. Hydraulic lime is different in that the cement from it hardens in the aquatic environment; widely used in the construction of bridge piers.

The negative impact of lime on the human body

Despite the rather wide application, quicklime still has negative characteristics. Thus, fine dust-like particles of quicklime, rising into the air, adversely affect the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, causing coughing, sneezing and irritation of the mucous membranes.

When lime is slaked, droplets of the solution that fall on human skin can cause severe burns.

For these reasons, when working with quicklime, safety precautions must be observed.

Safety precautions when working with quicklime

When working with ground lime, it is necessary to protect the respiratory organs from getting dust lime on the mucous membranes. To do this, first of all, you should take care of a well-ventilated area. The best way to protect mucous membranes is to work outdoors. If such conditions are not possible, it is imperative to use a dust-tight bandage or respirator.

When slaking lime, it is necessary to protect the skin, eyes and respiratory tract from possible droplets of slaked lime. To do this, you must use high rubber gloves, respirators and special goggles.