calcium chloride

chemical compound

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Last updated

June 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) is a white, deliquescent salt. In its anhydrous form, it functions as a drying and dehumidifying agent. When hydrated, it is used for dust control and to de-ice roads.1

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calcium chloride
ammonium chloride
calcium hypochlorite
potassium chloride

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- deliquescence
  The effectiveness of calcined calcium chloride in settling road dust is a result of its deliquescence. When spread in the form of a powder or flakes, it absorbs more than its own weight of water and forms a liquid that keeps the road wet. See also efflorescence.
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  The effectiveness of calcined calcium chloride in settling road dust is a result of its deliquescence. When spread in the form of a powder or flakes, it absorbs more than its own weight of water and forms a liquid that keeps the road wet. See also efflorescence.
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- Why Does Salt Melt Ice?
  Often, however, cities use calcium chloride (CaCl₂), another type of salt, on their icy streets. Calcium chloride is more effective at melting ice because it can break down into three ions instead of two: one calcium ion and two chloride ions. More ions mean more ions getting in the…
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  Often, however, cities use calcium chloride (CaCl₂), another type of salt, on their icy streets. Calcium chloride is more effective at melting ice because it can break down into three ions instead of two: one calcium ion and two chloride ions. More ions mean more ions getting in the…
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calcium
Compounds
Another important compound is calcium chloride, CaCl₂, a colourless or white solid produced in large quantities either as a by-product of the manufacture of sodium carbonate by the Solvay process or by the action of hydrochloric acid on calcium carbonate. The anhydrous solid is used as a drying agent…
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Another important compound is calcium chloride, CaCl₂, a colourless or white solid produced in large quantities either as a by-product of the manufacture of sodium carbonate by the Solvay process or by the action of hydrochloric acid on calcium carbonate. The anhydrous solid is used as a drying agent…
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chemical industry
The ammonia-soda (Solvay) process
…treated with lime, it gives calcium chloride and ammonia. Thus, the chlorine that was in the original sodium chloride appears as calcium chloride, which is largely discarded (among the few uses for this compound is to melt snow and ice from roads and sidewalks). The ammonia thus regenerated is fed…
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…treated with lime, it gives calcium chloride and ammonia. Thus, the chlorine that was in the original sodium chloride appears as calcium chloride, which is largely discarded (among the few uses for this compound is to melt snow and ice from roads and sidewalks). The ammonia thus regenerated is fed…
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