Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CaSO4. Its name is derived from its properties as an anhydrous (without water) form of calcium sulfate. The pronunciation of this scientific name is written as /ænˈhaɪdrəs ˈkælsiəm ˈsʌlˌfeɪt/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The phonetic transcription indicates that the stress falls on the second syllable of "anhydrous" and the first syllable of "calcium" while "sulfate" has a secondary stress on the first syllable.
Anhydrous calcium sulfate, also known as calcium sulfate anhydrite or anhydrite, is a mineral compound composed of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen. It is a white, crystalline powder or solid with the chemical formula CaSO₄. Unlike its hydrated counterpart, calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum), anhydrous calcium sulfate does not contain any water molecules.
Anhydrous calcium sulfate is primarily formed through the dehydration of gypsum at temperatures above 200 °C. It can also be found in evaporite deposits, volcanic regions, and as a product of certain chemical reactions. It is a relatively stable compound under normal conditions.
This mineral compound has various applications in different industries. Due to its high solubility in water, anhydrous calcium sulfate is often used as a drying agent, desiccant, or as a component in cement production. It also serves as a source of calcium in the agricultural sector, where it is used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure and promote plant growth. In the construction industry, anhydrous calcium sulfate can be utilized as a binding material or as a filler in various building materials.
Anhydrous calcium sulfate is preferred in certain contexts due to its absence of water molecules, making it suitable for applications where reactions or processes involving water are to be avoided. Its chemical and physical properties make it a versatile compound with a wide range of uses across multiple industries.