Calcium Chloride - CaCl2

CaCl₂ is said to be an ionic compound having a chemical name, Calcium Chloride. We can also call it either Calcium dichloride or Calcium chloride anhydrous.

Calcium Chloride is an ionic compound composed of chlorine and calcium. It is a crystalline solid white in colour at room temperature and is highly soluble in water, and hence it is hygroscopic in nature. It has a very high enthalpy change of solution and is odourless. This compound is widely used for de-icing and dust control. 

Preparation of Calcium Chloride

Calcium Chloride can be prepared by the following:

• By reacting hydrochloric and calcium carbonate solution acid or

• Directly from the limestone, a large amount is also produced as a by-product of the Solvay process.

The Calcium chloride compound was discovered in the 15th century but received little study or attention until the latter part of the 18th century. All of the entire early work was done with laboratory-prepared samples because it was not produced on a commercial scale until after the ammonia-soda process for the manufacture of soda ash was in operation. Actually, it was considered a waste product until its uses were discovered.

The important properties of calcium chloride can be tabulated as follows.

Properties of Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂)

CaCl2 Structure

The molecules of Calcium chloride feature two ionic bonds between a single calcium cation and two chloride anions. The calcium chloride structure molecules are represented below. It is to make a note that the calcium cation holds a charge of +2 magnitude, and each chloride anion holds a charge of -1 magnitude. Therefore, the compound is electrically neutral.

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The formula of Calcium Chloride

The chemical formula of calcium chloride can be given as CaCl₂.

It is an ionic compound that consists of one calcium cation Ca²⁺ and two chloride anions. The bivalent calcium metal forms an ionic bond with two chlorine atoms.

Calcium chloride is an ionic compound, which is made of ions. As we all know, ions either can have positive or negative charges, but the main idea is that the overall ionic compound charge has to balance to get neutral.

Calcium is in the group of 2 with a charge of 2+, and Chlorine is in group 7 with a charge of -1. As the overall charge is 0 for neutral, there must be a balance of charges. Thus, one needs two chlorine ions for balancing the calcium ion charge as 2−2=0.

The formation of CaCl₂ happens mainly by reacting limestone (CaCO₃) with hydrochloric acid (HCl). The chemical equation can be given as follows.

CaCO₃ + 2HCl  → CaCl₂ + CO₂ + H₂O(aq)   

It is also produced as a primary by-product while manufacturing the soda ash Na₂CO₃ using the Solvay process, where the limestone is reacted with NaCl solution.

Preparing Calcium Chloride

To prepare calcium chloride, we need to follow the steps listed below.

Step 1

Take a beaker and place limestones in it by wearing gloves until the beaker is filled up by a quarter of its total volume.

Step 2

Now, add HCl (hydrochloric acid) to 1/4th of a beaker approximately to the limestone.

Step 3

As the Hydrochloric acid dissolves limestone, it starts generating bubbles. Now, gently mix the contents in the beaker and be cautious that the reaction completes. If all the limestones dissolve in it completely, add a little limestone.

Step 4

Then, filter off the solids by pouring the solution via filter paper as soon as the solution stops bubbling.

Step 5

Now, heat the second beaker, which has a calcium chloride solution. The solid calcium chloride is that which is left after the water evaporates.

CaCl₂ Uses

Calcium chloride has many uses. A few calcium chloride uses are listed below.

• It is useful as a food preservative, food additive, for de-icing roads in winter, and as brine in refrigeration plants.

• It is used in water treatment plants.

• It has many applications in oil-well drilling, metallurgy, rubber, dye, paper, and paint industries.

• It can be used for the correction of mineral deficiencies in brewing beer.

• We can use it in self-heating cans and heating pads.

• It can also be used as a sterilant for male animals.

Health Hazards of Calcium Chloride

• Calcium Chloride is an irritating compound and required to be handled with gloves.

• It is relatively safe to handle, but in case if ingested, it reacts with water exothermically and can cause burning of the esophagus or mouth.

Benefits of Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride can be used in a number of ways. But since it is a chemical compound, you should talk to your doctor before physically intaking the calcium chloride or making use of this chemical compound. If you are diagnosed with any kind of physical disease or you are under certain medication, then it will be wise that you consult with your doctor before incorporating calcium chloride in your day-to-day life.

While talking about the benefits we should have a look at the practical usages of this chemical compound and how the medicines are prepared with the help of Calcium Chloride.

• If you are suffering from low calcium levels and you have tried a lot of other medications as well, but you have failed to see any changes in your condition, then most of the doctors will suggest you to incorporate the suggested amount of calcium chloride.

• People get diagnosed with high potassium levels that can impact their condition of heart. In order to protect the heart and to prevent other health conditions that may arise due to the high potassium levels in the body, calcium chloride is often suggested by medical practitioners.

• The chemical compounds that constitute calcium chloride can have a direct impact on certain compounds like magnesium, potassium. The excessive presence of magnesium in the body can affect the health of people. High amounts of magnesium levels can also negatively impact the heart and lungs of human beings. In order to protect the people from the negative effects of the health conditions arising due to the presence of high magnesium in the body and to prevent the other health conditions, calcium chloride is suggested.

• Calcium chloride is often suggested by doctors to treat other health conditions as well. But since this is a chemical compound, long-term usage of this can cause some side effects as well. Some people can also have allergic reactions due to this. 

• People should always practice taking medicines that contain calcium chloride under the guidance of expert doctors and medical practitioners. The doctors often replace the medicines with something else that their bodies can adapt to if they start feeling some kind of side effects. Most importantly, people should always intake the required amount of the suggested amount of calcium chloride.

The Side Effects of Intaking Calcium Chloride

• If calcium chloride is taken without the suggestion of the medical practitioner or beyond the prescribed dosage, it can cause a lot of side effects. It can result in rashes and other skin irritations.

• A high dosage of calcium chloride can cause hypercalcemia.

• People can also experience symptoms like low blood pressure, sweating or nausea. They can also develop a tendency to puke.

• Pregnant women should never take calcium chloride as medicine unless it is suggested by the doctors. The medicines can have a negative impact on the health and development of the child.

Conclusion

Students can get detailed information about the definition, properties, formula, health hazards along with various benefits of Calcium Chloride from the above-written content.