First, we must know what happens in the precipitation reaction. This type of reaction is a double replacement reactions. It is consists of two reactant compounds which interchange cations and anions to form two products. One of the products is an insoluble solid called a precipitate. For the precipitation of CaCO₃, there are two consecutive reactions involved:
1. Slaking of quicklime, CaO
CaO + H₂O ⇒ Ca(OH)₂
2. Precipitation
Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ ⇒ CaCO₃ + H₂O
The ions that make up the H₂O molecule are H⁺ and OH⁻. According to solubility rules, the cation (positively charged ion) is likely to be attracted to an anion (negatively charged ion). Together, they form an ionic bond. This type of bond is when there is a complete transfer of electrons between the two. The Ca²⁺ cation lacks 2 electrons, while the anion OH⁻ has an excess 1 electron. In order to be stable, 1 Ca²⁺ ion and 2 OH⁻ ions must combine.
Therefore, the answer is OH⁻ ion.
