What is Calcium Chloride Definition Formula Preparation and Uses
It is an inorganic compound, a salt with the chemical formula CaCl2, which exists as a white coloured crystalline solid at room temperature.
Calcium Chloride is soluble in water. It can be made by neutralising hydrochloric acid with calcium hydroxide. It is commonly encountered as a hydrated solid. For de-icing and dust control these compounds are used. The molar mass of calcium chloride is 110.98g mol-1. It is odourless and has an average density of 2.15g. The other anions of this compound are calcium fluoride, calcium bromide and calcium iodide. It is an irritant and has a viscosity of 3.34cP (787-degree centigrade).
What Are The Uses of Calcium Chloride?
There are numerous applications of calcium chloride.
It is popularly used as an additive in plastics, wastewater treatment plants and also in blast furnaces to improve the process and the characteristics.
It is also used as an agent to decrease the freezing point of water.
Further, calcium chloride is greatly helpful for preventing ice formation on the road surfaces and is also, therefore, used as a de-icer. However, it consumes the greatest amount of calcium chloride by depressing the freezing point of water which prevents ice formation and is also used to de-ice.
It is also used in domestic and industrial chemical air known as dehumidifiers.
It has been observed that the intake of the average calcium chloride in food is around 160 to 345mg per day.
In aquariums, it is used as an approach to introduce bioavailable calcium for calcium carbonate- shelled animals like, molluscs and cnidarians.
It is also used in canned vegetables and in producing a caviar substitute from fruit juices or vegetable. In sports drinks and other forms of beverages including water, it is used as an electrolyte.
To add salty taste in pickles, calcium chloride is used.
From brewing beer to cheesemaking there are endless uses of calcium chloride.
Role of Calcium Chloride As A Water Treatment Agent
Calcium chloride is used for the treatment of water. It is also used in bottled water but majorly, it is used in treating wastewater to remove the undesired amount of impurities present in it. Calcium is regarded as an important determinant of water harness and a pH stabilizer which gives water an elevated taste. One the other hand, calcium chloride is used in the petroleum, metalworking, laundry, textile and food processing industries where it is used in oily waste streams. This creates oil droplets to float to the surface. In the final stage, it is removed through skimming.
Is Calcium Chloride Harmful to Humans?
Calcium chloride if ingested can create burns in the mouth and also in the throat. This would create an excess amount of thirst, vomiting, stomach pain and would also lead to increased blood pressure and is also capable of severe health problems. This is the reason why calcium chloride should not be ingested.
It is to be considered that in extreme cases of ingestion, this chemical is capable of causing skin burns, respiration issues, and seizures and also can cause cardiac disturbances. Further, it can also irritate skin by an extreme amount of dryness or dehydrating moist skin.
These are the possible health hazards that calcium chloride can create and so it is essential to be as cautious as possible while handling this material whether in a laboratory or at home or any other possible place.
What Are The Things to Remember While Handling Calcium Chloride?
While dealing with any form of chemical it is important to follow the safety measures. It could be using safety glasses, an apron and gloves. If it is being used in a workplace then it is important to ensure that the eyewash station is nearby. Other than this, some of the important steps to be followed are inhalation which is seeking fresh air and immediate medical attention. Next, if it comes in contact with the skin then always flush the affected area with a sufficient amount of water. Remove the clothes that are contaminated and wash with soap and use emollient in order to cover the irritated skin. Also, if it comes in contact with the eye, water the eyes immediately for a minimum of 15 minutes in order to prevent the damage.
Where To Store or Dispose of Calcium Chloride?
It is important to store calcium chloride in an area which is away from moisture and incompatible materials. Next, keep the container in an area which is well ventilated and is cool and dry enough. In order to dispose of calcium chloride, it is essential to follow the rules of the federal, state and local area.
Role of calcium chloride in plant growth
Studies have shown that calcium breaks down easily in water. This results in the formation of calcium and chloride ions. While calcium helps in the growth of the plant, chloride is regarded as an important micronutrient for plants and plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis.
Importance of Calcium Chloride As A Drying Agent
As stated earlier calcium chloride has umpteen number of usage. One such use of calcium chloride is in drying which is why it is regarded as a drying agent. It is used on sidewalks and road and also in parking lots where it works as a de-icing agent. By reducing the melting point of the water, calcium chloride prevents the formation of ice.
What Is The Use of Calcium Chloride In A Fire Extinguisher?
In a fire extinguisher, calcium chloride is used as an additive. However, it is important to remember that the stainless steel extinguisher after getting expired should be destroyed and not tested or replaced under any cost as it is capable of posing a huge threat.
How To Produce Calcium Chloride?
In order to produce calcium chloride, take a beaker and add ¼ of hydrochloric acid to limestone. Next, you would see that the hydrochloric acid will start to bubble as it dissolves the limestone. After this, swirl the beaker in order to mix the contents. It is essential to ensure that the reaction is completed. After a few minutes, you will see that calcium chloride has been formed in the beaker.
Boiling and Melting Points of Calcium Chloride
The boiling point of calcium chloride is 1,935-degree centigrade and the melting point of the calcium chloride is 772-degree centigrade. The molecular mass or weight of the chemical is 110.98g. It is anhydrous and therefore, its density is around 2.15.
FAQs on Calcium Chloride Structure Properties and Applications
1. What is calcium chloride?
Calcium chloride is an ionic compound with the chemical formula CaCl2, made of calcium and chlorine ions. It consists of one Ca2+ ion and two Cl- ions, giving it an overall neutral charge. Calcium chloride is a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and commonly used as a drying agent, de-icing salt, and food additive.
2. What is the chemical formula for calcium chloride and why?
The chemical formula for calcium chloride is CaCl2 because calcium forms a +2 ion and chlorine forms a −1 ion. To balance charges:
- Calcium forms Ca2+
- Chlorine forms Cl-
- Two chloride ions are needed to balance one calcium ion
3. Is calcium chloride ionic or covalent?
Calcium chloride is an ionic compound because it forms from the transfer of electrons between a metal and a non-metal. Calcium (a metal) loses two electrons to form Ca2+, and each chlorine atom (a non-metal) gains one electron to form Cl-. The oppositely charged ions attract each other through strong electrostatic forces, creating an ionic lattice.
4. How is calcium chloride prepared?
Calcium chloride is commonly prepared by reacting calcium carbonate with hydrochloric acid. The balanced chemical equation is:
- CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
- Ca(OH)2(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)
5. Why is calcium chloride hygroscopic?
Calcium chloride is hygroscopic because it strongly attracts and absorbs water from the atmosphere. The Ca2+ and Cl- ions have a high affinity for water molecules, forming hydrated ions in solution. This property makes calcium chloride useful as a desiccant for drying gases and controlling moisture.
6. Is dissolving calcium chloride in water exothermic or endothermic?
Dissolving calcium chloride in water is an exothermic process because it releases heat. When CaCl2(s) dissolves, strong ion–dipole interactions form between water molecules and the ions, releasing more energy than is required to break the ionic lattice. As a result, the temperature of the solution increases.
7. What are the uses of calcium chloride in chemistry and everyday life?
Calcium chloride is widely used as a drying agent, de-icing salt, and food additive due to its hygroscopic and exothermic properties. Common uses include:
- Desiccant for drying gases and solvents
- De-icing roads because it lowers the freezing point of water
- Food preservative (E509) and firming agent
- Dust control on roads
8. What happens when calcium chloride reacts with sodium carbonate?
When calcium chloride reacts with sodium carbonate, a precipitation reaction occurs forming calcium carbonate. The balanced equation is:
- CaCl2(aq) + Na2CO3(aq) → CaCO3(s) + 2NaCl(aq)
9. What is the molar mass of calcium chloride?
The molar mass of calcium chloride (CaCl2) is approximately 110.98 g/mol. It is calculated as:
- Calcium (Ca): 40.08 g/mol
- Chlorine (Cl): 35.45 g/mol × 2 = 70.90 g/mol
- Total = 40.08 + 70.90 = 110.98 g/mol
10. What is the difference between calcium chloride and sodium chloride?
The main difference between calcium chloride and sodium chloride is their chemical formula and ionic charge.
- Calcium chloride (CaCl2) contains Ca2+ and two Cl- ions.
- Sodium chloride (NaCl) contains Na+ and one Cl- ion.
