Paramount Chemicals & Plastics, Inc.

Properties

Molecular formula

CaCl₂
CaCl₂.2H₂O Dihydrate
CaCl₂.4H₂O Tetrahydrate
CaCl₂.6H₂O Hexahydrate

Molar mass

110.99 g/mol, anhydrous
147.02 g/mol, dihydrate
183.04 g/mol, tetrahydrate
219.08 g/mol, hexahydrate

Appearance

white or colorless solid

Density

2.15 g/cm³, anhydrous
0.835 g/cm³, dihydrate
1.71 g/cm³, hexahydrate

Melting point

772 °C (anhydrous)

Boiling point

>1600 °C

Solubility in water

74.5 g/100 ml (20 °C)

Basicity (pKb)

Refractive index (nD)

Structure

Molecular shape

Dipole moment

Hazards

Main hazards

NFPA 704

Risks

Irritating to eyes

Safety

Keep out of the reach of children , Do not breathe dust , Avoid contact with skin

Flash point

Autoignition
temperature

Description

Calcium chloride (CaCl₂), is an ionic compound of calcium and chlorine. It is highly soluble in water and it is deliquescent. It is a salt that is solid at room temperature, and it behaves as a typical ionic halide. It has several common applications such as brine for refrigeration plants, ice and dust control on roads, and in concrete. It can be produced directly from limestone, but large amounts are also produced as a by-product of the Solvay process. Because of its hygroscopic nature, it must be kept in tightly-sealed containers.

Uses

FOOD
As an ingredient, it is listed as a permitted food additive in the European Union for use as a sequestrant and firming agent with the E number E509, and considered as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (21 CFR § 184.1193) The average intake of calcium chloride as food additives has been estimated to be 160-345 mg/day for individuals.[7] Ingestion of concentrated or pure calcium chloride products may cause gastrointestinal irritation or ulceration.The anhydrous form has been approved by the FDA as a packaging aid to ensure dryness (CPG 7117.02).
Calcium chloride is commonly used as an Electrolyte and has an extremely salty taste, as found in sports drinks and other beverages such as Smartwater and Nestle bottled water. It can also be used as a preservative to maintain firmness in canned vegetables or in higher concentrations in pickles to give a salty taste while not increasing the food's sodium content. It is even found in snack foods, including Cadbury Caramilk chocolate bars (purpose unknown).
It can be used to make a caviar substitute from vegetable or fruit juices[9] or added to processed milk to restore the natural balance between calcium and protein for the purposes of making cheese such as brie and stilton. Calcium chloride's exothermic properties are exploited in many 'self heating' food products where it is activated (mixed) with water to start the heating process, providing a non-explosive, dry fuel that is easily activated.
In brewing beers (esp. ales and bitters), calcium chloride is sometimes used to correct mineral deficiencies in the brewing water (calcium is important for enzyme function during the mash, for kettle protein coagulation (the "hot break") and yeast metabolism) and adds permanent hardness to the water. The chloride ions enhance flavor and give a perception of sweetness and fuller flavor, whereas the sulfate ions in Gypsum, which is also used to add calcium ions to brewing water, tend to impart a drier, crisper flavor with more bitterness.

MEDICAL
Calcium chloride can be injected as intravenous therapy for the treatment of hypocalcaemia (low serum calcium). It can be used for: insect bites or stings (such as Black Widow Spider bites); sensitivity reactions, particularly when characterized by urticaria (hives); magnesium intoxication; as an aid in management of the acute symptoms in lead colic; in cardiac resuscitation, particularly after open heart surgery. Parenteral calcium can be used when epinephrine has failed to improve weak or ineffective myocardial contractions. Calcium chloride injection may antagonize cardiac toxicity as measured by electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG).[2]
It can help to protect the myocardium from dangerously-high levels of serum potassium in hyperkalemia. Calcium chloride can be used to quickly treat Calcium Channel Blocker toxicity, from the side effects of drugs such as Diltiazem (Cardizem)—helping avoid potential heart attacks.The aqueous form of calcium chloride is used in genetic transformation of cells by increasing the cell membrane permeability, inducing competence for DNA uptake (allowing DNA fragments to enter the cell more readily).
It can also be used in the reef aquarium hobby for adding bio-available calcium in solution for calcium-using animals such as algae, snails, hard tube worms, and Corals although the use of calcium hydroxide (kalkwasser mix) or a calcium reactor is the preferred method of adding calcium. However, calcium chloride is the quickest method to increase calcium levels as it dissolves readily in water.

Precautions

Calcium chloride is an irritant, particularly on moist skin. Wear gloves and goggles or a full face shield to protect hands and eyes; avoid inhalation. Dry calcium chloride reacts exothermically when exposed to water. Burns can result in the mouth and esophagus if humans or other animals ingest dry calcium chloride pellets. Small children are more susceptible than adults (who generally have had experience trying to eat hot food, and can react accordingly) so calcium chloride pellets should be kept out of their reach.

International Chemical Safety Card

Calcium Chloride Pellets – Commercial Grade

Product Specification