Calcium chloride
Group 1: History and Production Discovered in the 15th century, studied in the 18th century Historically called fixed sal ammoniac Modern names include muriate of lime Synthesized during the distillation of ammonium chloride with lime Nonvolatile during synthesis Derived from limestone as a byproduct of the Solvay process North American consumption in 2002 was 1,529,000 tonnes Most obtained by purification from brine Contains trace amounts of other cations and anions Found as rare evaporite minerals sinjarite and antarcticite Other natural hydrates include ghiaraite, chlorocalcite, tachyhydrite, and rorisite Group 2: Uses of Calcium Chloride Deicing and freezingpoint depression Road surfacing Food industry applications Laboratory and related drying operations Accelerates initial setting in concrete mixes Prevents cork spot and bitter pit on apples Flavoring pickles without increasing sodium content Metal Reduction Flux in titanium production Medical use in intravenous therapy to prevent hypocalcemia Food preservation Accelerating concrete set time Adhesives in building construction Nonsurgical sterilization in animals Group 3: Hazards and Health Concerns Nontoxic when wet but can irritate and burn skin Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation or ulceration Consumption can lead to hypercalcemia Side effects like gastric necrosis Clinical evaluation for male sterilization Possible drug war involvement Narcos’ interest in basic chemical Product safety assessments Group 4: Chemical Properties and Regulatory Information Dissolves in water, producing chloride and aquo complex High enthalpy change of solution Can be electrolyzed to give calcium metal and chlorine gas Minerals like sinjarite and ghiaraite Composition affecting nutritional quality Black stomach due to ingestion Bitter pit in apples Practical necrotizing agent UNEP publications on safety assessment FDA compliance articles CFR regulations Indications and warnings Compliance with standards Group 5: Miscellaneous Information Used in agricultural implement tires for traction Used in air dehumidifiers Suppresses dust formation on dirt roads Reduces need for grading and fillin materials Firming agent in canned vegetables Enhances texture of various food products Used in tofu production Adds texture to sliced apples and strawberries Used in brewing beer and cheesemaking Frequently used in drying tubes Dries kelp for producing sodium carbonate Approved by FDA for ensuring dryness in packaging Hydrated salt can be dried for reuse Forms hard amalgamated solid when cooled after heating