Calcium chloride CAS No. 10043-52-4

Product Description

Calcium chloride is a versatile inorganic compound that appears as a white crystalline solid, often in the form of flakes or pellets. It is highly soluble in water and acetic acid, and is known for its strong hygroscopic properties, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This hygroscopic nature makes it highly effective in applications such as de-icing and dust control, where it lowers the freezing point of water and keeps surfaces damp. In the food industry, calcium chloride serves as a firming agent, coagulation aid, electrolyte, flavor enhancer, and preservative. It is also used as a desiccant in various products and for drying gases. In construction, it accelerates the setting time of concrete and stabilizes soils. Medically, it is used for calcium replenishment and in emergency situations. Industrially, it is used in refrigeration, rubber manufacturing, paper and petroleum industries, and water treatment. Despite its many uses, concentrated calcium chloride can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and ingestion can lead to gastric distress and burns. It should be handled with appropriate protective equipment and stored in a cool, dry place. Calcium chloride is also widely used in energy efficiency thermal engineering applications, such as phase change materials, desiccant cooling, and refrigeration, due to its low cost and high moisture absorption capacity.

Product Use & Characteristics

• Molecular Formula: CaCl₂

• Molecular Weight: 110.98 g/mol

• IUPAC Name: Calcium dichloride

• Appearance: White crystalline solid, often found as flakes or pellets (prills).

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, also soluble in acetic acid and acetone.

• Hygroscopic/Deliquescent: Absorbs moisture from the air, and can even dissolve in absorbed water to form a liquid brine.

• Exothermic Dissolution: When anhydrous calcium chloride dissolves in water, it releases a significant amount of heat.

Uses

• De-icing and Dust Control: Effective for melting ice on roads and sidewalks at very low temperatures (down to -52 °C or -62 °F). Its hygroscopic nature helps control dust on unpaved roads by keeping the surface damp.

• Food Industry:

  • Firming Agent: Used in canned vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, pickles) and in firming tofu to maintain texture.

  • Coagulation Aid: In cheese production, it aids in the coagulation of milk proteins.

  • Electrolyte: Found in sports drinks and other beverages to replenish electrolytes.

  • Flavor Enhancer: Provides a salty taste without adding sodium, useful in "low sodium" products.

  • Preservative: Helps preserve freshness and inhibit spoilage in certain foods.

• Desiccant: Effective drying agent in various products and for drying gases. Used in domestic and industrial chemical air dehumidifiers.

• Construction:

  • Concrete Additive: Accelerates the setting time of concrete, especially in cold weather.

  • Soil Stabilization: Used to solidify loose, sandy soils.

• Medical Applications: Used for calcium replenishment (e.g., to treat hypocalcemia) and in some emergency situations.

• Other Industrial Uses:

  • Brine for refrigeration plants.

  • Coagulant in rubber manufacturing.

  • Additive in the paper and petroleum industries.

  • Water treatment: Increases water hardness in swimming pools and removes fluorides.

  • Liquid ballast: In agricultural implement tires for traction in cold climates.

• Energy Efficiency Thermal Engineering Applications: Used in phase change material applications, closed sorption processes, desiccant cooling or dehumidification, refrigeration, drying, water recovery or extraction from atmospheric air, sorption, and thermochemical energy storage.

• Refrigeration Machines: One of the most used chemical adsorbents, mainly with ammonia or water as refrigerant.

• Thermal Storage Applications: Attractive due to its low cost and high moisture absorption capacity.

• Hydrogel Synthesis: Used as a crosslinking agent in the synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel from biomass waste of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). The hydrogel has potential applications in drug delivery systems, industrial effluent treatment, food additives, heavy metal removal, and more.

Safety Considerations

• Irritation: Can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Direct contact can cause dryness and, in severe cases, burns.

• Ingestion: If swallowed, it can cause gastric distress, nausea, vomiting, and burns in the mouth and throat. Large quantities can lead to more severe health effects.

• Dust Inhalation: Inhaling airborne dust can irritate the respiratory tract.

• Exothermic Reaction: The dissolution of anhydrous calcium chloride in water releases heat, which can be a hazard if not handled properly.

Handling and Storage

• Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent contact.

• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to avoid inhaling dust.

• Storage: Store in tightly-sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area to protect it from moisture.

• Exposure: In case of exposure, immediately flush affected areas with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Why us!

Sigma Chemical Group is a major chemical enterprise headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, with a diversified portfolio of subsidiaries including Henan Sigma Biotechnology Co., Ltd, QIngdao Sigma Chemical Co.,Ltd, Nanchang Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., and Jinan Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd. Established on January 16, 2017, Qingdao Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd. operates as a micro-sized chemical product wholesaler with a registered capital of RMB 100,000. Led by legal representative Yang Yuwen and based at 2-1-2301, Jiahe Xinxing, No. 130 Shandong Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, the company’s operations span chemicals, machinery equipment, and import-export services. Henan Sigma Biotechnology Co., Ltd, located in Dongmafang, Muye District, Xinxiang City, Henan Province, specializes in the sales of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, and mixed feed additive series, including products like adenine, florfenicol injection, carbasalate calcium soluble powder, and cefotaxime sodium chloride injection. Guided by a win-win and innovative business philosophy, the company employs a modern management approach and customer-centric service, upholding integrity, diligence, and a commitment to quality, thereby earning customer trust through diverse product offerings and competitive pricing. Nanchang Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., situated in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, is dedicated to producing high-purity plant extracts, emphasizing eco-friendly, non-toxic chemical raw materials that generate no environmental pollutants. Jinan Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., located in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province known as the "City of Springs," focuses on manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutical intermediates. The company maintains long-term industry-academia-research collaborations with Shandong University and Qilu University of Technology, continuously enhancing R&D investments to drive innovation and growth.