Calcium Chloride

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Calcium Chloride is an inorganic salt composed of calcium and chlorine with the chemical formula CaCl₂. It typically appears as a white crystalline solid or granular powder, highly soluble in water and exhibiting strong hygroscopic properties. Calcium Chloride is widely used for its moisture-absorbing ability, de-icing, dust control, and as a firming agent in food processing. It finds extensive applications across industrial, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food sectors due to its efficacy in modifying physical and chemical properties of products and environments.

Description

Primary Uses 

  1. Industrial & Chemical Applications

    • Used as a drying agent and desiccant in laboratories and industrial processes due to its high affinity for water.

    • Employed in concrete acceleration to speed up setting time and improve strength development.

    • Acts as a brine for refrigeration systems and ice control on roads and highways during winter.

    • Utilized in oil and gas drilling fluids to stabilize boreholes and reduce fluid loss.

  2. Food Industry

    • Functions as a firming agent and preservative in canned vegetables and tofu production.

    • Used in cheese-making as a coagulant.

    • Regarded as a food additive with the E number E509.

  3. Pharmaceutical & Medical

    • Used in oral electrolyte replenishment solutions to treat calcium deficiency.

    • Incorporated in calcium supplements and intravenous solutions.

  4. Agriculture & Environmental

    • Applied for soil stabilization and dust suppression on unpaved roads and construction sites.

    • Used as a calcium source fertilizer for correcting calcium-deficient soils.

Secondary Uses 

  1. Water Treatment

    • Utilized to remove impurities and soften water by precipitating carbonate hardness.

  2. Textile Industry

    • Employed in textile dyeing and printing to fix dyes and improve fabric quality.

  3. Aquaculture

    • Used to maintain water hardness and provide calcium ions essential for shell formation in aquatic species.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Calcium chloride

  • Common/Trade Name: Calcium Chloride

  • CAS Number: 10043-52-4

  • HS Code: 2827.10.00

  • Molecular Formula: CaCl₂

  • Synonyms:

    • Calcium dichloride

    • Calcium salt of hydrochloric acid

    • CaCl₂

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: White crystalline solid or granular powder

  • Color & Odor: White; odorless

  • Melting Point: 772°C (anhydrous form)

  • Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling

  • Density: Approx. 2.15 g/cm³ (anhydrous)

  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water (up to ~74.5 g/100 mL at 20°C); soluble in glycerol; insoluble in alcohol

  • Hygroscopicity: Highly hygroscopic, readily absorbs moisture from air

  • pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline in aqueous solution (~8–9)

  • Stability: Stable under normal conditions; reacts with strong oxidizers and water exothermically

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS): Skin corrosive (Category 1B), Serious eye damage (Category 1)

  • NFPA Ratings:

    • Health: 2

    • Flammability: 0

    • Reactivity: 1

  • Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 5 mg/m³ (respirable dust)

  • Toxicity: Moderate; ingestion or inhalation may cause irritation or burns; harmful if swallowed in large amounts

  • Reactivity: Reacts exothermically with water; incompatible with strong oxidizers and some metals

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and incompatible materials

  • Container Type: Sealed polyethylene bags, drums, or airtight containers

  • Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly away from moisture

  • Special Handling: Use PPE; prevent dust formation and moisture exposure

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • FDA Status: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food applications; regulated for pharmaceutical use

  • Transportation: Classified as corrosive material; follow local regulations

  • Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local environmental regulations; neutralize if necessary before disposal

6. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate toxicity to aquatic life at high concentrations

  • Persistence: Does not biodegrade; persists as inorganic salt in environment

  • Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate

  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic

  • Biodegradability: Inorganic, not biodegradable

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Chemical-resistant gloves

  • Safety goggles or face shield

  • Dust mask or respirator (if dust exposure)

  • Protective clothing

Handling Measures:

  • Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and contact with skin and eyes

  • Use in well-ventilated areas with dust control systems

  • Handle containers carefully to avoid moisture exposure

Storage Measures:

  • Keep container tightly closed

  • Store away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers

Hygiene Practices:

  • Wash hands after handling

  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling

 

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist

  • Skin Contact: Wash immediately with plenty of water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical care if irritation or burns occur

  • Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; get urgent medical attention

  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention

 

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-flammable but reacts with water releasing heat

  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ to extinguish surrounding fire

  • Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

  • Decomposition Products: May emit toxic chlorine and calcium oxide fumes under extreme heat