Calcium Chloride and its application

Calcium Chloride and its application

Calcium chloride is an important calcium salt that has many household and industrial applications.

Calcium chloride occurs in nature in its hydrated forms as the rare minerals sinjarite (dihydrate) and antarcticite (hexahydrate). Calcium chloride is also found in large amounts in natural brine from salt lakes and salt deposits.

Calcium chloride is also produced as a major by-product during manufacture of soda ash (Na₂CO₃) by the Solvay process, in which limestone is reacted with NaCl solution.

Calcium chloride Physical properties

Calcium chloride is found as an odorless white powder, granules or flakes. It has a density of 2.15 g/mL, melting point of 782 °C and a high boiling point over 1600 °C.

Calcium chloride Chemical properties

Calcium chloride is highly water soluble, hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air) and deliquescent (absorbs enough water to turn into liquid). Calcium chloride dissolves in water in a very exothermic manner (releasing a large amount of heat).

Calcium chloride fully dissociates in water to give calcium cations and chloride anions.

Calcium chloride is not toxic in normal amounts and is used in foods. However, Calcium chloride s main hazard is due to its desiccating (drying) property and exothermic reaction when it dissolves in water. Thus, when the solid comes into contact with wet skin or eyes, it can cause severe irritation and mild burns.

Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂ ) Uses

• Calcium chloride is used to prevent the ice formation and therefore used in deicing.
• Calcium chloride used in the production of activated charcoal.
• Calcium chloride used as a sterilant for male animals.
• Calcium chloride is used in heating pads and self-heating cans.
• Calcium chloride is used to correct the mineral deficiencies in brewing beer
• Calcium chloride is used as an electrolyte in sports drinks
• Calcium chloride In laboratories, the drying tubes are usually packed with calcium chloride.

Calcium Chloride Health Hazards

• Calcium chloride is irritating and needs to be handled with gloves.
• Calcium chloride is relatively safe to handle, but if ingested, it reacts exothermically with water and can cause burning of the mouth or esophagus.
• Calcium chloride is also recommended for the treatment of acute hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, and calcium-channel blocker overdose.