Calcium chloride (CaCl2) was discovered in the early 19th century during studies of salt deposits. Initially obtained as a byproduct of the Solvay process, developed by Ernest Solvay in 1861, it became recognized for its high solubility and hygroscopic properties. Its discovery was pivotal for its later applications across diverse industries.
Calcium chloride is crucial for de-icing and dust control. Its hygroscopic properties lower the freezing point of water, making it effective in melting ice and snow on roads even at lower temperatures than traditional sodium chloride. In dust control, it is used on unpaved roads and construction sites to suppress dust by absorbing moisture and forming a crust, reducing airborne dust particles and improving air quality.
In construction, calcium chloride accelerates concrete setting. It speeds up the hydration of cement, reducing setting time and allowing for faster construction, particularly beneficial in cold weather by preventing the mixture from freezing. This ensures proper curing and enhances early strength, improving structural integrity.
Calcium chloride is widely used as a firming agent, preservative, and electrolyte. In canning and pickling, it maintains the firmness of vegetables and fruits. In cheese making, it aids in coagulation and improves texture. In sports drinks and bottled water, it provides electrolytes, enhancing hydration and mineral balance. Its food-grade quality ensures safe use in various products, contributing to their stability and quality.
Calcium chloride has several industrial uses. In the petroleum industry, it acts as a completion fluid during drilling operations, helping control wellbore pressures and maintaining well stability. In plastics and synthetic rubber manufacturing, it is a drying agent, removing residual moisture and improving product quality. It is also used in wastewater treatment to remove impurities and in refrigeration systems as a desiccant to absorb moisture and prevent equipment corrosion.
In medicine, calcium chloride is used as an electrolyte replenisher in intravenous solutions to treat hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) and certain cardiac conditions. Its rapid increase of calcium levels in the blood makes it useful in emergencies. In laboratories, it serves as a reagent in various chemical reactions, such as preparing calcium salts and drying gases and organic solvents
References
2024. Unveiling the effect of CaCl2 on amyloid β aggregation via supercritical angle Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 26(40).
DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00996g
2024. Local calcium chloride infusion after pulsed field ablation enhances acute efficacy of cardiac electroporation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 35(11).
DOI: 10.1111/jce.16439
2024. N-succinyl chitosan-oxidized hyaluronic acid-calcium chloride hydrogel as hemostatic agent. The International Journal of Artificial Organs, 47(10).
DOI: 10.1177/03913988241280202
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