Synthesis of calcium acetate from clam shells
Hello people,
Today I present the preparation of calcium acetate from clam shells and vinegar. As for eggshells, the reaction is a simple acid-base between acetic acid and calcium carbonate,
which clam shells are made of.
Procedure
100 g of clean clam shells are weighed, inserted in a plastic bag, and crushed into pieces with a meat press. The pieces are introduced in a large
glass jar: 1 liter of 6% vinegar is added. The reaction starts quickly, but it is less vigorous than eggshells in vinegar. After 2 hours, another
liter of vinegar is added. The jar is left standing at room temperature for four days with occasional stirring. The reaction mixture is then filtered
through a cotton plug. The filtrate is reduced in volume to half by heating it on a low flame.
Once done, the filtrate is poured into a casserole, letting water evaporate in the open air.
After one day, a crystalline jelly forms. The jelly is collected with a spoon, treated with 200 ml of acetone, and filtered through a cotton plug. The
residue is pressed on paper and dried under sunlight to get 122 g of the very bright white crystalline solid. Considering clam shells as pure calcium
carbonate and the product as monohydrate, it corresponds to a yield of 69.24%.
Discussion
This experiment has positively surprised me. I considered clam shells much more impure calcium carbonate compared to eggshells, because of which I expected lower yield and yellow-colored product. Initially, I was thinking of collecting calcium acetate to pyrolyze
it to acetone, but these white crystals are too fancy to burn: I do not.
To watch the entire procedure, I link you to my YT video.
Thanks for attention, see you next time.
palico
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