Calcium acetate

Calcium acetate can be prepared by soaking calcium carbonate (found in eggshells, or in common carbonate rocks such as limestone or marble) or hydrated lime in vinegar: : : Since both reagents would have been available pre-historically, the chemical would have been observable as crystals then. ==Uses==

• In kidney disease, blood levels of phosphate may rise (called hyperphosphatemia) leading to bone problems. Calcium acetate binds phosphate in the diet to lower blood phosphate levels. • Calcium acetate is used as a food additive, as a stabilizer, buffer and sequestrant, mainly in candy products under the number E263. • Tofu is traditionally obtained by coagulating soy milk with calcium sulfate. Calcium acetate has been found to be a better alternative; being soluble, it requires less skill and a smaller amount. • Because it is inexpensive, calcium acetate was once a common starting material for the synthesis of acetone before the development of the cumene process: Chemistry teachers often prepare "California Snowballs", a mixture of calcium acetate solution and ethanol. The resulting gel is whitish in color, resembling a snowball and can be lit on fire; it will burn for around 20 minutes. ==Natural occurrence==

Pure calcium acetate is yet unknown among minerals. calcium acetate chloride is listed as a known mineral, but its genesis is anthropogenic (human-generated, as opposed to naturally occurring). ==References==