Calcium chloride dihydrate has various uses in different fields. It is used as a calcium supplement for the treatment of hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia.
Calcium chloride dihydrate is a colorless to off-white crystalline solid that deliquesces (absorbes water). It is an ionic compound of chlorine and calcium. The molecular weight of calcium chloride dihydrate is 147.01 g/mol.
It finds application in brine refrigeration, ice and dust control, antifreeze agents and food product sequestrants/firming agents. Furthermore, it finds use in plastics, fire extinguishers, blast furnaces and wastewater treatment as a drainage aid.
What is Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
Soluble in water
Calcium chloride dihydrate is an odorless, white crystalline substance that readily dissolves in water. This salt finds applications across many industries such as chemical production and brewing.
It is also widely used as a preservative and firmness-enhancing agent for fresh cut fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, it can be added to processed dairy products like cheese to restore the balance between calcium and protein levels.
This compound is available in various dilutions to meet individual needs. It’s also commonly used as an ingredient in microbiological and plant tissue culture media.
Soluble in ethanol
Calcium chloride in its dihydrate form is a cheap and widely available calcium salt that resists moisture. It’s used in food products, beer and soft drinks as well as cheese production.
Ethanol is a commonly used alcohol in the production of alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine. It’s also an essential component in many medicines like cough syrups and tonics, plus it acts as a solvent for non-polar molecules like flavorings and colorings.
Ethanol contains a water-loving hydroxyl group (-OH) which attracts polar molecules and ionic substances. This allows it to dissolve medicines, food colorings, and flavourings that do not dissolve in water.
Soluble in acetic acid
Calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCI2) is a highly deliquescent hygroscopic salt, capable of absorbing up to six times its own weight in water. It comes in various forms such as powder, flakes and granules and is white in color.
It is an extremely versatile ingredient with numerous applications, such as drying liquids and gases, dust control, ice melting, and laboratory refrigerants.
The dihydrate form of salt is commonly referred to as “desiccant” or “a desiccant”, due to its rapid absorption of water and ability to maintain dryness. It has many applications, such as keeping air conditioned in cars or airplanes, plus it works great for controlling ice on roads and in concrete structures.
Food industry: sodium bicarbonate is used as a stabilizer, coagulant and nutrition fortifier in pickles, candies and tofu. It adjusts pH values of foods and soft drinks while increasing canned fruit and vegetable firmness.
Soluble in acetone
Acetone is a colorless liquid often employed as an industrial solvent. It can break down various materials such as paints, inks and varnishes; plus it dissolves fats and resins.
Natural sources of lead include forest fires and volcanic gases. Furthermore, small amounts may be present in the body due to dietary sources or exposure.
The EPA has evaluated acetone and determined it safe for use in consumer products. Nonetheless, there are risks associated with the chemical, such as acetone poisoning.
Calcium chloride dihydrate is an hygroscopic compound that must be stored in airtight containers to preserve its stability. It’s widely used as brine in refrigeration plants, road ice melting agent and desiccant for dehydrating gases and liquids.
Vitamin K2 can also be taken as a nutritional supplement for those with low calcium or vitamin D deficiencies. Furthermore, it’s used in food as a stabilizer, coagulant, thickener and texturizer.
What Are the Common Uses of Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
Calcium and chlorine form an ionic compound called calcium chloride dihydrate, which is extremely soluble in water and deliquescent. It has several common uses in various fields.
In the medical field, it is used to treat hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia, and as an electrolyte replenisher.
It is also used to treat acute and chronic renal failure, dehydration, dry mouth, electrolyte depletion, fluid loss, and hyperkalemia. In order to release calcium and chloride ions, which are typical components of bodily secretions, calcium chloride dihydrate dissociates in water.
In the industrial field, calcium chloride dihydrate is used to prevent dusting, as a drying agent, and to melt ice. It is also used in the preparation of synthetic brine solutions and calcium-alginate beads.
In the food industry, calcium chloride dihydrate is used as a firming agent in cheese and tofu. Additionally, it is used to keep fruits and veggies firm, lessen decay, and guard against specific diseases. Calcium chloride dihydrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
How Does Calcium Chloride Dihydrate Differ From Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride dihydrate is a salt that is both highly soluble in water and deliquescent. It behaves like an ionic halide at room temperature and is a solid at room temperature.
Calcium chloride dihydrate is used for the treatment of hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia, and as an associated treatment for conditions such as acute renal failure, dehydration, and electrolyte depletion.
It is also used in industrial applications such as preventing dusting, as a drying agent, and to melt ice.
On the other hand, calcium chloride is an ionic compound of calcium and chlorine that is deliquescent and highly soluble in water.
The difference between calcium chloride and calcium chloride dihydrate is that calcium chloride dihydrate has two molecules of water attached to each calcium chloride molecule.
Calcium chloride is used for a variety of purposes, including as a food additive, a firming agent, and a de-icing agent. It is also used in the oil and gas industry for drilling fluids and in the production of cement.
