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.

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Categories: Admixtures, Anti-Corrosion Coatings, Builders, Corrosion Inhibitors, Fertilizers, pH Adjusters, Soil Conditioners Tags: Calcium chloride, Cement accelerator, Dust control on roads, Food processing additive, Water treatment chemical, White crystalline powderDe-icing and anti-icing

Description

Table of Contents

Calcium Chloride

Primary Uses

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.
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.
Pharmaceutical & Medical
- Used in oral electrolyte replenishment solutions to treat calcium deficiency.
- Incorporated in calcium supplements and intravenous solutions.
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

Water Treatment
- Utilized to remove impurities and soften water by precipitating carbonate hardness.
Textile Industry
- Employed in textile dyeing and printing to fix dyes and improve fabric quality.
Aquaculture
- Used to maintain water hardness and provide calcium ions essential for shell formation in aquatic species.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. 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

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