Control of the morphology of crystalline calcium hydroxide

The reaction of solid calcium hydroxide with liquid or gaseous methanol, et hanol and toluene, and the effect this has on the surface properties of the solid was examined, as well as the modification of crystal habit by the pr esence of these molecules. The effect of the presence of acetate or propion ate groups on crystal habit was examined. Reaction with methanol leads to t he formation of methoxide groups. Reaction with toluene forms a surface com plex, but also there is ingress of the molecules into slit-shaped pores. Th e presence of these solvents, or the inclusion of anions such as acetate gr oups during crystallization. can control the crystal habit of calcium hydro xide.