Calcium chloride

Calcium chloride

Calcium chloride is a chemical compound made of calcium and chlorine atoms. It has the formula of CaCl₂. It absorbs water from the air and releases heat when it is dissolved in water. It is used as a de-icer on roads to melt the ice. It can be formed by mixture of calcium oxide with hydrochloric acid, but this produces a version that is hydrated (has water molecules attached to it). The anhydrous (no water molecules attached) form is needed most of the time. Calcium chloride is melted at a high temperature and electrolyzed to produce calcium metal.

Calcium Chloride Media

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  Bulk CaCl
  2 for de-icing in Japan

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  Calcium chloride was sprayed on this road to prevent weathering, giving it a wet appearance even in dry weather.

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  Flame test of CaCl
  2

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  Structure of the polymeric [Ca(H
  2O)
  6]²⁺ center in crystalline calcium chloride hexahydrate, illustrating the high coordination number typical for calcium complexes.