Calcium Chloride

Anhydrous calcium chloride is a white solid. However, it is very easy to absorb moisture in the air so that the solid becomes wet. This property is called hygroscopic. Therefore, calcium chloride is often used as a drying agent in a chemistry laboratory. For example, calcium chloride is often used to dry glass tubes on laboratory instruments.


The reaction between calcium chloride and water forms calcium chloride hexahydrate, CaCl2.6H2O. This reaction is very exothermic (releases some heat to the environment). Therefore, calcium chloride is often used commercially in hot packs (usually sold in winter).

Hot packs have two small pockets, one containing anhydrous calcium chloride and the other with water. When we squeeze these hot packs, the two substances inside it will mix, generate heat from the exothermic reaction between water and calcium chloride.

Anhydrous calcium chloride and sodium chloride are also used to melt ice that is on the streets when winter. Calcium chloride works in two ways. First, the reaction between calcium chloride and exothermic water will produce heat that can melt the ice.

Secondly, calcium chloride can form a mixture that can lower the freezing point of water so that even if the temperature of the environment is cold, the water has not frozen because its freezing point is lower.

Calcium chloride is a highly soluble compound in water. A mixture of 30% calcium chloride in 70% water will produce a liquid whose temperature drops to -55 degree.

Another advantage of calcium chloride is to make calcium salts. The calcium ion produced by this salt is not very damaging to vegetables when cooked compared to sodium ions in conventional salt.

Dusty streets are usually sprayed with concentrated liquid calcium chloride so as not to disrupt the sight of the rider. The concentrated liquid of calcium chloride has a sticky texture and is not too dangerous for the environment.

Concentrated liquid calcium chloride is also very dense so often used to fill the tires of heavy machinery so this machine has a better traction.

Calcium chloride is added to the swimming pool water in order to increase the water hardness. Calcium ions are released when calcium chloride dissolves in water. This calcium ion will lead to increased water hardness. The purpose of adding calcium chloride is to reduce the pool concrete erosion so that it is more durable.

Because the reaction is exothermic, calcium chloride will be very dangerous if swallowed. Calcium chloride can cause burns in the mouth and esophagus and stomach. So do not try to swallow calcium chloride!
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