Calcium chloride

Toxicity

Too rapid injection may produce lowering of blood pressure and cardiac syncope. Persistent hypercalcemia from overdosage of calcium is unlikely because of rapid excretion.

Description

Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is an inorganic salt used for removing water from gases and liquids, melting ice from road surfaces, maintaining a liquid layer on road surfaces to control dust, and preparing aqueous solutions with low freezing temperatures, and is a common desiccant used in the manufacture of food or chemicals.

Description

Tumorigen,Mutagen, Human Data; Hormone. Calcium chloride is usedas road salt for melting snow, a drying agent in desiccators,for dehydrating organic liquids and gases, in refrigerationbrines and antifreeze, as a dust-proofing agent, food additive, concrete hardening accelerator, and others.Incompatibilities: The solution in water is a weak base.Reacts with zinc in presence of moisture, forming highly526 Calcium chlorideflammable hydrogen gas. Dissolves violently in waterwith generation of much heat. Incompatible with water,bromine trifluoride; 2-furan, percarboxylic acid. Mayattack some building materials and metals in the presenceof moisture.

Chemical properties

Calcium chloride is an ionic compound of calcium and chlorine. It is highly soluble in water and it is deliquescent. It is a salt that is solid at room temperature, and it behaves as a typical ionic halide. It has several common applications such as brine for refrigeration plants, ice and dust control on roads, and in cement. It can be produced directly from limestone, but large amounts are also produced as a by-product of the Solvay process. Because of its hygroscopic nature, it must be kept in tightly-sealed containers.

Chemical properties

Calcium chloride, CaC12, is colorless deliquescent solid that is soluble in water and ethanol. It is formed from the reaction of calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid or calcium hydroxide and ammonium chloride. It is used in medicine, as an antifreeze, and as a coagulant.

Chemical properties

Calcium chloride occurs as a white or colorless crystalline powder, granules, or crystalline mass, and is hygroscopic (deliquescent).

Physical properties

White crystal, powder or flake; highly hygroscopic; the compound and its solutions absorb moisture from the air at various rates depending on calcium chloride concentrations, relative humidity and vapor pressure of water in the air, temperature, surface area of exposed material, and the rate of air circulation; at 40% and 95% relative humidity and 25°C, one gram anhydrous calcium chloride may absorb about 1.4 g and 17 g water, respectively. (Shearer, W. L. 1978 . In Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd ed., vol. 4, pp. 432-6. New York: Wiley Interscience); density 2.15, 2.24, 1.85, 1.83 and 1.71 g/cm3 for the anhydrous salt and its mono-, di-, tetra- and hexahydrates, respectively; anhydrous salts melts at 772°C, while the mono-, di-, tetra- and hexahydrates decompose at 260°, 175°, 45.5° and 30°C, respectively; the anhydrous salt vaporizes at 1,935°C; highly soluble in water, moderate to high solubility in alcohol.
Densities and crystallizing temperatures of commercial calcium chloride solutions (Courtesy Allied Corp.):

Occurrence

Calcium chloride may be found in nature as the mineral tachhydrite, CaCl₂?2MgCl₂?12H₂O. It also is found in other minerals. Its concentration in sea water is about 0.15%.
Calcium chloride has several industrial applications. The major applications of this compound are in deicing of roads, dust control, imparting stability to roads and buildings, and to improve traction in tractor tires. It is mixed with ice to make freezing mixtures. Hexahydrate mixed with crushed ice can lower the temperature of the cooling bath to below -50°C. It also is used as a desiccant for dehydrating gases and liquids. It is added to cement in various proportions to manufacture different types of concrete. Other uses are in adhesives, to lower gel temperatures, and as a calcium source in liquid feed supplements for dairy cattle. Also, the compound is used to control particle size development and reduce coalescence in plastics.

The Uses of Calcium chloride

Calcium chloride is highly hygroscopic and is often used as a desiccant.

The Uses of Calcium chloride

For the treatment of hypocalcemia in those conditions requiring a prompt increase in blood plasma calcium levels, for the treatment of magnesium intoxication due to overdosage of magnesium sulfate, and used to combat the deleterious effects of hyperkalemi

The Uses of Calcium chloride

calcium chloride is an astringent. It also helps improve the reaction among certain ingredients used in cosmetic formulations. This inorganic salt is no longer commonly used in skin care products and is being replaced with potassium chloride.

The Uses of Calcium chloride

Calcium Chloride is a general purpose food additive, the anhydrous form being readily soluble in water with a solubility of 59 g in 100 ml of water at 0°c. it dissolves with the liberation of heat. it also exists as calcium chloride dihydrate, being very soluble in water with a solubility of 97 g in 100 ml at 0°c. it is used as a firming agent for canned tomatoes, potatoes, and apple slices. in evaporated milk, it is used at levels not more than 0.1% to adjust the salt balance so as to prevent coagulation of milk during sterilization. it is used with disodium edta to protect the flavor in pickles and as a source of calcium ions for reaction with alginates to form gels.

The Uses of Calcium chloride

Obtained as a by-product in the manufacture of potassium chlorate. The white crystals, soluble in water and alcohol, are deliquescent and must be kept in a well-stoppered bottle. Calcium chloride was used in iodized collodion formulas and in collodion emulsions. It was also an important desiccating substance used in tin calcium tubes designed to store presensitized platinum papers.

The Uses of Calcium chloride

Calcium chloride is one of the most versatile of the basic chemicals.It has several common applications such as brine for refrigeration plants, ice and dust control on roads, and in concrete. The anhydrous salt is also widely used as a desiccant, where it will absorb so much water that it will eventually dissolve in its own crystal lattice water (water of hydration). It can be produced directly from limestone, but large amounts are also produced as a by-product of the “Solvay Process” (which is a process to produce soda ash from brine).
Calcium chloride is also commonly used as an additive in swimming pool water as it increases the “calcium hardness” value for the water.Other industrial applications include use as an additive in plastics, as a drainage aid for wastewater treatment, as an additive in fire extinguishers, as an additive in control scaffolding in blast furnaces, and as a thinner in “fabric softeners”.
Calcium chloride is commonly used as an “electrolyte” and has an extremely salty taste, as found in sports drinks and other beverages such as Nestle bottled water. It can also be used as a preservative to maintain firmness in canned vegetables or in higher concentrations in pickles to give a salty taste while not increasing the food’s sodium content. It is even found in snack foods, including Cadbury chocolate bars.In brewing beer, calcium chloride is sometimes used to correct mineral deficiencies in the brewing water. It affects flavor and chemical reactions during the brewing process, and it can also affect yeast function during fermentation.
Calcium chloride can be injected as intravenous therapy for the treatment of “hypocalcemia” (low serum calcium). It can be used for insect bites or stings (such as Black Widow spider bites), sensitivity reactions, particularly when characterized by “urticaria” (hives).

Background

Calcium chloride is an ionic compound of calcium and chlorine. It is highly soluble in water and it is deliquescent. It is a salt that is solid at room temperature, and it behaves as a typical ionic halide. It has several common applications such as brine for refrigeration plants, ice and dust control on roads, and in cement. It can be produced directly from limestone, but large amounts are also produced as a by-product of the Solvay process. Because of its hygroscopic nature, it must be kept in tightly-sealed containers.

Indications

For the treatment of hypocalcemia in those conditions requiring a prompt increase in blood plasma calcium levels, for the treatment of magnesium intoxication due to overdosage of magnesium sulfate, and used to combat the deleterious effects of hyperkalemia as measured by electrocardiographic (ECG), pending correction of the increased potassium level in the extracellular fluid.

What are the applications of Application

Calcium chloride anhydrous is a reagent used in preparation of competent E.coli

Production Methods

Calcium chloride is a principal byproduct from the Solvay process.

Definition

calcium chloride: A white deliquescentcompound, CaCl₂, which issoluble in water; r.d. 2.15; m.p.782°C; b.p. >1600°C. There are anumber of hydrated forms, includingthe monohydrate, CaCl₂.H₂O, the dihydrate,CaCl₂.2H₂O (r.d. 0.84), andthe hexahydrate, CaCl₂.6H₂O (trigonal;r.d. 1.71; the hexahydrate loses4H₂O at 30°C and the remaining2H₂O at 200°C). Large quantities of itare formed as a byproduct of theSolvay process and it can be preparedby dissolving calcium carbonateor calcium oxide in hydrochloricacid. Crystals of the anhydrous saltcan only be obtained if the hydratedsalt is heated in a stream of hydrogenchloride. Solid calcium chloride isused in mines and on roads to reducedust problems, whilst the molten saltis the electrolyte in the extraction ofcalcium. An aqueous solution of calciumchloride is used in refrigerationplants.

Preparation

Calcium chloride is obtained as a by-product in the manufacture of sodium carbonate (soda ash) by ammonia-soda (Solvay) process. The process involves the reaction of sodium chloride with calcium carbonate and ammonia. Calcium chloride is currently produced in bulk amounts by evaporation of natural underground brines. In the laboratory, calcium chloride can be prepared by treating limestone with hydrochloric acid followed by evaporation of solution to obtain crystals. The crystals are dehydrated to obtain anhydrous salt. Calcium oxide or hydroxide may be used instead of carbonate.

brand name

Cal Plus (Mallinckrodt).

General Description

Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂) is a water soluble ionic crystal with a high enthalpy change of solution. It is majorly derived from limestone and is a by-product of the Solvay process. It is an anhydrous salt that has a hygroscopic nature and can be used as a desiccant.

Air & Water Reactions

Deliquescent. Water soluble. Adding Calcium chloride to hot water caused violent boiling, [MCA Case History No. 69].

Reactivity Profile

Bromine trifluoride rapidly attacks the following salts: barium chloride, cadmium chloride, Calcium chloride, cesium chloride, lithium chloride, silver chloride, rubidium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium chloride, potassium iodide, rhodium tetrabromide, sodium bromide, sodium chloride, and sodium iodide [Mellor 2 Supp. 1:164, 165 1956]. Long term exposure of Calcium chloride solution upon a zinc coated galvanized iron vessel caused slow evolution of hydrogen which ignited and exploded [Bretherick, 5th Ed., 1995].

Health Hazard

Inhalation causes irritation of nose and throat. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. Contact with eyes (particularly by dust) causes irritation and possible transient corneal injury. Contact of solid with dry skin causes mild irritation; strong solutions can cause marked irritation, even a superficial burn.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Pharmaceutical Applications

The main applications of calcium chloride as an excipient relate to its dehydrating properties and, therefore, it has been used as an antimicrobial preservative, as a desiccant, and as an astringent in eye lotions.
Therapeutically, calcium chloride injection 10% (as the dihydrate form) is used to treat hypocalcemia.

Pharmacokinetics

Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the body and the major fraction is in the bony structure. Calcium plays important physiological roles, many of which are poorly understood. It is essential for the functional integrity of the nervous and muscular systems. It is necessary for normal cardiac function and is one of the factors that operates in the mechanisms involved in the coagulation of blood.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. Poison by intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous routes. Human systemic effects: dermatitis, changes in calcium. Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. Mutation data reported. Reacts violently with (B203 + CaO), BrF3. Reaction with zinc releases explosive hydrogen gas. Catalyzes exothermic polymerization of methyl vinyl ether. Exothermic reaction with water. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl-. See also CALCIUM COMPOUNDS and CHLORIDES.

Safety

Calcium chloride is used in topical, ophthalmic, and injection preparations. The pure form of calcium chloride is toxic by intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous routes, and moderately toxic by ingestion, causing stomach and heart disturbances. It is a severe eye irritant and can cause dermatitis.
LD₅₀ (mouse, IP): 0.21 g/kg
LD₅₀ (mouse, IV): 0.042 g/kg
LD₅₀ (mouse, oral): 1.94 g/kg
LD₅₀ (mouse, SC): 0.82 g/kg
LD₅₀ (rat, IM): 0.025 g/kg
LD₅₀ (rat, IP): 0.26 g/kg
LD₅₀ (rat, oral): 1.0 g/kg
LD₅₀ (rat, SC): 2.63 g/kg

Potential Exposure

Calcium chloride is used as road salt for melting snow, a drying agent in desiccators, for dehydrating organic liquids and gases, in refrigeration brines and antifreeze, as a dust-proofing agent, food additives, concrete hardening accelerator, and others. May react with strong oxidizers.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, getmedical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

Metabolism

Approximately 80% of body calcium is excreted in the feces as insoluble salts; urinary excretion accounts for the remaining 20%.

Hazard

Calcium chloride can irritate the nose and throat if inhaled. Ingestion can irritate the mouth and stomach. Contact with eyes (especially dust) causes irritation and may cause transient corneal damage. Solid in contact with dry skin causes slight irritation; strong solutions cause marked irritation and even epidermal burns.

storage

Calcium chloride is chemically stable; however, it should be protected from moisture. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.

Shipping

There are no label or maximum shipping quantity requirements set by DOT.

Purification Methods

It is available as fused granules or cubic crystals. It is very hygroscopic, very soluble in H2O (exothermic), and EtOH. Store it in a tightly closed container. [Ehrlich in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry (Ed. Brauer) Academic Press Vol I p 931 1963.]

Properties and Applications

ITEMS	SPECIFICATION
APPEARANCE	WHITE,HARD ODORLESS FLAKE, POWDER,PELLET,GRANULE
CALCIUM CHLORIDE(As CaCl2)	94% min
MAGNESIUM&ALKALI METAL SALT (As NaCl)	3.5% max
WATER INSOLUBLE MATTER	0.2% max
ALKALINITY(As Ca(OH)2)	0.20% max
SULFATE (As CaSO4)	0.20% max
pH VALUE	7-11
As	5 ppm max
Pb	10 ppm max
Fe	10 ppm max

Incompatibilities

Calcium chloride is incompatible with soluble carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, and tartrates. It reacts violently with bromine trifluoride, and a reaction with zinc releases explosive hydrogen gas. It has an exothermic reaction with water, and when heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of chlorine.

Regulatory Status

GRAS listed. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (injections, ophthalmic preparations, suspensions, creams). Included in medicines licensed in the UK (eye drops; intraocular irrigation; vaccines; injection powders for reconstitution; nebulizer solution; oral suspension).