What is Calcium Chloride?
Calcium Carbide is a common calcium salt having plenty of households and industrial applications. The chemical formula for the compound is CaCl2 and a molecular mass of 110.983 g/mol approx.
Calcium Chloride Structure
This is an ionic compound where calcium cation is connected with two chloride anions as shown below in the chemical structure.
Calcium Chloride Chemical Formula
The natural occurrence of the compound can be felt in minerals in the form of salt deposits. The product can also be prepared by mixing hydrochloric acid and limestone together.
CaCO3 + 2 HCl → CaCl2 + CO2 + H2OThe product is released as a major by-product when manufacturing soda ash by the Solvay process where limestone is made to react with NaCl solution. This is an odorless white powder that exists in granules or flakes form. It is highly soluble in water and quickly absorbs moisture from the air. It gets dissolved in water in an exothermic manner and releasing excessive heat too. On continuous heating, it again decomposes to the calcium ions and potassium chloride ions.
Calcium Chloride Molecular
The major uses of the product can be seen as a food additive, food preservative, as brine in refrigeration plants and more. The product is also added to the swimming pool for water treatment and it can be used for desiccating purpose too. The other popular uses of the product are metallurgy, dye manufacturing, paint industries, oil-well drilling and more.
This product is not taken toxic when used in limited quantity along with foods. However, it may cause irritation when comes to contact with eyes or skin.