Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is a versatile inorganic salt, a colorless solid highly soluble in water, used for de-icing roads, dust control, as a desiccant (moisture absorber), in refrigeration brine, and in food processing as a firming agent, requiring careful handling due to its irritant nature and heat release when dissolving. It's produced from limestone or brine and must be stored in sealed containers due to its hygroscopic properties.
Common Uses:
- De-icing & Dust Control: Lowers the freezing point of water, making it effective for melting ice and controlling dust on gravel roads.
- Desiccant: Its strong ability to absorb moisture makes it ideal for drying agents and preventing moisture damage.
- Refrigeration: Used as a brine in refrigeration systems.
- Food Industry: Acts as a firming agent (e.g., in canned vegetables, cheese) and for flavoring; food-grade is safe in appropriate doses.
- Construction: Accelerates cement setting.
- Petroleum: Used in drilling fluids.
Health & Safety:
- Irritant: Causes serious eye irritation (H319) and skin irritation, so wear protective gear.
- Heat Generation: Dissolves in water with significant heat release, posing a burn risk.
- Medical Uses: Used intravenously in emergencies for electrolyte imbalances (like low calcium, high potassium) and certain poisonings.
Environmental Aspects:
- Not generally considered hazardous to the environment in typical applications, but large spills can affect soil/water.
Properties:
- Formula: CaCl2
- Appearance: White flakes, pellets, or powder.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, releasing heat.
- Hygroscopic: Readily absorbs moisture from the air.
