Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How do calcium chloride and sodium chloride differ in chemical formula?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
alkaline-earth metal
Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).
The chemical formulas for calcium chloride and sodium chloride differ based on the valence of the metal cations involved in their respective ionic bonds.
- Sodium chloride has the chemical formula NaCl. Sodium is an alkali metal that typically forms a cation with a +1 charge (Na⁺), which balances with a single chloride anion (Cl⁻).1
- Calcium chloride has the chemical formula CaCl₂. Calcium is an alkaline-earth metal found in Group 2 of the periodic table. Because calcium typically forms a cation with a +2 charge, it requires two chloride anions to achieve a neutral chemical formula.23