CaCl2 is said to be an ionic compound having a chemical name, Calcium Chloride. We can also call it either Calcium dichloride or Calcium chloride anhydrous.
Calcium Chloride is an ionic compound composed of chlorine and calcium. It is a crystalline solid white in colour at room temperature and is highly soluble in water, and hence it is hygroscopic in nature. It has a very high enthalpy change of solution and is odourless. This compound is widely used for de-icing and dust control.
Preparation of Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride can be prepared by the following:
By reacting hydrochloric and calcium carbonate solution acid or
Directly from the limestone, a large amount is also produced as a by-product of the Solvay process.
The Calcium chloride compound was discovered in the 15th century but received little study or attention until the latter part of the 18th century. All of the entire early work was done with laboratory-prepared samples because it was not produced on a commercial scale until after the ammonia-soda process for the manufacture of soda ash was in operation. Actually, it was considered a waste product until its uses were discovered.
