2007-06-16 12:32:48 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
These can be chelating ("claw-like") agents like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
(HOOCCH3)2N-CH2CH2-N(CH2COOH)2
The 4 COOH's and 2 N's wrap around calcium and magnesium ions in kettle scale and dissolve them gently away. The Dip-It used in aluminum coffee pots is sodium carbonate. That actually generates OH- ions, which dissolve a little bit of the aluminum. Al + OH- +3H2O ===> AlOH)4- + 3H2.
2007-06-16 12:44:33 · answer #1 · answered by steve_geo1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can also be an acid, hydrochloric, acetic, citric, lactic, and phosphoric acid can be used to dissolve the limescale (calcium carbonate) to release CaCL2 (this salt dissolves into the solution), CO2 (released into the air) and water.
2007-06-16 19:49:34 · answer #2 · answered by Tsumego 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋