Answer: Calcium oxide is the name of the ingredient used for whitewashing, and its formula is CaO.
Key Point:
Calcium oxide, often known as quicklime, burnt lime, or lime, is the chemical compound X used for whitewashing. CaO is the chemical formula for substance X.
It’s a white or greyish white solid made by burning calcium carbonate to release carbon dioxide in enormous quantities. Calcium oxide will spontaneously absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at ambient temperature, reversing the process.
It will also absorb water and transform to calcium hydroxide, emitting heat in the process. The name “quick,” or live lime, comes from the bubbling that occurs as a result of the reaction. Quicklime and water reactions are sometimes employed in portable heat sources.