Products
Calcium chloride is available as a pure substance in pharmacies. In pharmaceuticals, it is included as an active ingredient and excipient, for example in infusion preparations.
Structure and properties
Calcium chloride (CaCl2, Mr = 110.98 g/mol) is the calcium salt of hydrochloric acid. It exists as a white crystalline powder, crystals, or crystalline mass and is slightly to very slightly soluble in water depending on hydration. Calcium chloride has a salty taste. Various hydrates exist:
- CaCl2: Anhydrous calcium chloride.
- CaCl2 – 2 H2O: calcium chloride dihydrate
- CaCl2 – 6 H2O: calcium chloride hexyhydrate
Calcium chloride is formed, for example, in the reaction of calcium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid:
- Ca(OH)2 (calcium hydroxide) + 2 HCl (hydrochloric acid) Calcium chloride (CaCl2) + 2 H2O (water)
It can also be obtained from calcium carbonate:
- CaCO3 (calcium carbonate, lime) + 2 HCl CaCl2 (calcium chloride) + CO2 (carbon dioxide) + H2O (water)
Heat is released when calcium chloride is dissolved in water.
Areas of application
- For the treatment of calcium deficiency, especially in hypochloremic alkalotic metabolism. See also under calcium.
- As a component of Ringer’s solutions for the supply of electrolytes and water, as a fluid substitute, carrier solution and for wound cleansing.
- As a pharmaceutical excipient.
- As a food additive.
- As a desiccant (anhydrous calcium chloride is hygroscopic).
Calcium chloride is also used for deicing.
Undesirable effects
Calcium chloride may cause severe eye irritation on accidental contact. The appropriate precautions in the Material Safety Data Sheet must be observed.
