Description
Calcium chloride is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula CaCl₂.
- Appearance: White solid (flakes, pellets, or powder)
- Solubility: Very soluble in water
- Special property: Hygroscopic and deliquescent (absorbs moisture from air)
- Heat effect: Releases heat when dissolved in water (exothermic)
Chemical properties
| Property | Details |
| Chemical formula | CaCl₂ |
| Molar mass | 110.98 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid (flakes, pellets, or powder) |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 2.15 g/cm³ (anhydrous) |
| Melting point | 772 °C (anhydrous) |
| Boiling point | 1,600 °C (decomposes) |
| Solubility in water | Highly soluble; 74.5 g/100 mL at 20 °C |
| Solubility in alcohol | Slightly soluble in ethanol; insoluble in acetone |
| Hygroscopicity | Strongly hygroscopic; absorbs moisture from air |
| Deliquescence | Yes, can absorb enough water to form a liquid solution |
| pH of 1% solution | ~6.0–8.0 (slightly neutral to mildly alkaline) |
| Reactivity | Reacts with strong acids to form calcium salts; reacts with water exothermically |
| Flammability | Non-flammable |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; decomposes at very high temperatures |
Uses
- De-icing roads & sidewalks (works at lower temperatures than salt)
- Moisture absorber / desiccant (in containers, closets, packaging)
- Food industry: Firming agent (E509), especially in canned vegetables and cheese
- Medical: Treating low calcium levels (IV calcium chloride, hospital use)
- Construction: Accelerates concrete setting
- Water treatment: Helps control hardness
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