INORGANIC CHEMISTRY GEOLOGY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site carbonate A salt or ester of carbonic acid, H2CO3, containing the carbonate ion [CO3]2-. Carbonates are common rock-forming minerals, occurring as calcite and limestone (both calcium carbonate, CaCO3), siderite (FeCaCO3), magnesite (MgCO3), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), and ankerite (Ca(Fe,Mg,Mn)(CO3)2). The hydrogen carbonates contain the [HCO3]- ion and important salts include NaHCO3 and Ca(HCO3)2. The carbonates of the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals are stable (the latter insoluble). Most other metal carbomates are precipitated as basic carbonates, e.g. 2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2. All carbonates except the alkali metal carbonates lose carbon dioxide on strong heating. Carbonate esters are important solvents. Related categories    • INORGANIC CHEMISTRY    • GEOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP