Calcium chloride flake Food grade
Calcium chloride flake Food grade
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Calcium Chloride

Description

Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) is an iconic representation of ionic compounds. At its core, this substance emerges from the reaction between calcium and chlorine elements. The resulting inorganic salt combines a single calcium (Ca²⁺) ion with two chloride (Cl⁻) ions.

Calcium chloride often presents as a white powder or granules at room temperature, but it can also crystallize into colourless, cubic forms. The existence of hydrated variations of calcium chloride means that it can integrate water molecules into its crystal structure, further exemplifying its versatile nature.

Physical and Chemical Properties:

  • Colour and Form: Calcium chloride typically manifests as a white, powdery or granular substance when anhydrous. However, it can also form colourless, cubic crystals. There are also hydrated forms of calcium chloride, where the crystals incorporate water molecules.
  • Hygroscopic Nature: One of the defining characteristics of calcium chloride is its strong hygroscopicity. It can readily absorb water vapour from the air. Because of this, it tends to clump together in humid conditions and can dissolve in its water of hydration.
  • Solubility: Besides being water-soluble, calcium chloride is also soluble in acetone, acetic acid, and alcohol. Its high solubility and ability to release heat upon dissolving (exothermic reaction) are beneficial in various applications.
  • Deliquescence: Beyond being merely hygroscopic, calcium chloride is deliquescent, absorbing enough atmospheric moisture to dissolve and form a liquid solution.
  • Ionic Nature: As an ionic compound, calcium chloride is composed of positively and negatively charged calcium ions. The strong electrostatic forces between these ions give the compound structure and contribute to its high melting and boiling points.

Key Features

  • High Solubility: It dissolves readily in water, making it suitable for various aqueous solutions and processes.
  • Hygroscopicity: It readily absorbs moisture from the air, making it an effective desiccant for drying gases and liquids.
  • Exothermic Dissolution: When dissolved in water, it releases heat, a property utilised in heating applications and to accelerate certain chemical reactions.
  • High Density Solutions: Calcium chloride solutions can achieve high densities, making them useful in various industrial processes, such as well drilling and fluid control.
  • Ionic Nature: Its ionic nature allows it to participate in various chemical reactions, making it a valuable reagent in chemical synthesis.
  • Non-Flammable: It is non-flammable, reducing fire hazards in industrial settings.

Applications

  • De-icing and Snow Melting: Its exothermic dissolution properties make it effective in melting ice and snow on roads, highways, and sidewalks.
  • Dust Control: Its hygroscopic nature allows it to absorb moisture from the air, reducing dust and improving air quality in industrial settings.
  • Concrete Acceleration: It can accelerate the setting time of concrete, reducing construction time and improving the strength of concrete structures.
  • Food Processing: It is used as a firming agent, a coagulant, and a nutrient supplement in various food products.
  • Water Treatment: Calcium chloride is used in water treatment processes to adjust water hardness and pH levels.
  • Refrigeration: Its ability to absorb moisture makes it useful as a desiccant in refrigeration systems.
  • Chemical Industry: It serves as a reagent in various chemical processes, including the production of other chemicals and materials.

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