Several properties contribute to lime's effectiveness as a catalyst:
1. Basicity: Lime is a strong base, which makes it effective in reactions requiring basic conditions. It can neutralize acidic intermediates, thereby driving the reactions forward. 2. Thermal Stability: Lime remains stable at high temperatures, making it suitable for reactions carried out under extreme heat. 3. Surface Area: When finely ground, lime has a high surface area, providing more active sites for catalytic reactions.
