calcium chloride
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * A chemical compound: Calcium chloride is a white, crystalline, inorganic salt with the chemical formula CaCl₂. It is highly soluble in water and known for being deliquescent (absorbing moisture from the air until it dissolves). It is commonly used for de-icing roads and as a drying agent to absorb moisture.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The city spread calcium chloride on the roads to prevent ice formation.
- In the laboratory, calcium chloride is often used in desiccators to keep samples dry.
- The compound calcium chloride is a byproduct of the Solvay process for making sodium carbonate.
Advanced Usage
- Technical/Industrial Context: In food processing, calcium chloride is used as a firming agent (e.g., in canned vegetables) and an electrolyte in sports drinks.
- A small amount of food-grade calcium chloride is added to pickles to maintain crispness.
- Scientific Context: In chemistry, it is used to provide a source of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) or chloride ions (Cl⁻) in reactions.
- The solution was dried over anhydrous calcium chloride.
Variants and Related Words
- CaCl₂: The chemical formula for calcium chloride.
- Anhydrous calcium chloride: The pure, dry form of the compound without water molecules.
- Deliquescent: (Adjective) Describing a substance, like calcium chloride, that absorbs moisture from the air.
- Desiccant: (Noun) A drying agent; calcium chloride is a type of desiccant.
- Deicer: (Noun) A substance used to melt ice; calcium chloride is a common deicer.
Synonyms
- Drying agent (for its functional use)
- De-icing salt (for its functional use)
- CaCl₂ (its chemical formula)
Related Phrases / Terms
- Calcium chloride dihydrate: A common hydrated form of the compound (CaCl₂·2H₂O).
- Calcium chloride solution: The compound dissolved in water, often used for its freezing-point depression properties.
Noun
- a deliquescent salt; used in de-icing and as a drying agent