Cadmium carbonate (CdCO₃) is a white, crystalline solid that is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves in acids, releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂). It decomposes upon heating, forming cadmium oxide (CdO) and CO₂. While cadmium carbonate occurs naturally as the rare mineral otavite, it is primarily produced industrially by reacting cadmium salts (e.g., cadmium nitrate or chloride) with sodium carbonate or carbon dioxide. Due to cadmium's high toxicity, handling cadmium carbonate requires strict safety measures to avoid inhalation, ingestion, or environmental contamination.

Uses of Cadmium Carbonate

Cadmium Oxide Production: A precursor for manufacturing cadmium oxide (CdO), used in batteries, coatings, and electronics.

Electroplating: Employed in electroplating processes to deposit cadmium coatings on metals for corrosion resistance (though use is declining due to environmental regulations).

Pigments: Historically used in yellow or red pigments for ceramics, plastics, and glass, but largely phased out due to toxicity concerns.

Stabilizers: Added to PVC plastics as a heat and light stabilizer, though safer alternatives are now preferred.

Nickel-Cadmium Batteries: Indirectly used in producing electrodes for rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries, which are being replaced by lithium-ion technology.

Catalysts: Acts as a catalyst or precursor in certain organic reactions and industrial chemical synthesis.

Laboratory Research: Utilized in academic or industrial labs to synthesize other cadmium compounds or study its properties.