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

1. a deliquescent salt; used in de-icing and as a drying agent