Calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl₂·2H₂O) is a white crystalline solid highly soluble in water. It is widely used as a de-icing agent for roads and sidewalks, in the food industry as a firming agent, and in various industrial applications including paper, textiles, and plastics. In medicine, it is used to treat hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia, and as part of cardioplegic solutions during heart surgery. Handle with care as it can be corrosive and cause irritation on contact.
| Tests | Specification |
|---|---|
| Description | White or almost white crystalline powder, hygroscopic. |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water, practically insoluble in ethanol (96%). |
| Appearance of solution | Clear and not more colored than reference solution Y6 |
| Identification | Complies with tests for chlorides and calcium, meets assay limits. |
| Barium | Max. 0.003% |
| Sulfates | Max. 0.005% |
| Iron | Max. 0.0003% |
| Assay | 97.0–103.0% Minimum |
| Heavy Metals | Max. 0.0005% |
| Ammonium | Max. 0.005% |
| Nitrogen Compound | Max. 0.002% |
| Sodium | Max. 0.01% |
| Oxidizing Substance | Max. 0.003% |
| Strontium | Max. 0.02% |
| Insoluble matter | Max. 0.01% |
| Potassium | Max. 0.01% |
1. De-icing: Effective on roads and sidewalks.
2. Food industry: Firming agent, stabilizer, coagulant.
3. Water treatment: Increases hardness and removes impurities.
4. Medicine: Used for treating hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia.
5. Industrial: Used in concrete cooling, refrigeration, drying.
6. Oil & gas: Stabilizes shale and controls well pressure.
7. Dust control: Used in mining, construction, agriculture.