Ammonium Chloride vs. Calcium Chloride

Attribute	Ammonium Chloride	Calcium Chloride
Chemical Formula	NH4Cl	CaCl2
Molar Mass	53.49 g/mol	110.98 g/mol
Appearance	White crystalline solid	White deliquescent solid
Solubility in Water	Highly soluble	Highly soluble
Uses	Used in fertilizers, food additives, and medicine	Used in de-icing, dust control, and food preservation

Introduction

Ammonium chloride and calcium chloride are two common types of chloride salts that are used for various purposes. While both compounds contain chloride ions, they have different chemical properties and applications. In this article, we will compare the attributes of ammonium chloride and calcium chloride to understand their differences and similarities.

Chemical Composition

Ammonium chloride, with the chemical formula NH4Cl, is a white crystalline salt that is soluble in water. It is composed of ammonium ions (NH4+) and chloride ions (Cl-). On the other hand, calcium chloride has the chemical formula CaCl2 and is also a white crystalline salt that is soluble in water. It is composed of calcium ions (Ca2+) and chloride ions (Cl-).

Solubility

One of the key differences between ammonium chloride and calcium chloride is their solubility in water. Ammonium chloride is highly soluble in water, forming a clear solution. In contrast, calcium chloride is also soluble in water but to a lesser extent compared to ammonium chloride. When dissolved in water, calcium chloride can form a cloudy solution due to the presence of calcium ions.

Hygroscopicity

Both ammonium chloride and calcium chloride are hygroscopic, meaning they have the ability to absorb moisture from the air. However, calcium chloride is known to be more hygroscopic than ammonium chloride. This property makes calcium chloride a popular choice for dehumidifying applications and as a drying agent in various industries.

Applications

Ammonium chloride is commonly used in various applications such as in the manufacturing of dry cell batteries, as a flux in soldering, and as a nitrogen source in fertilizers. It is also used as an expectorant in cough medicines due to its ability to loosen mucus. On the other hand, calcium chloride has a wide range of applications including as a de-icing agent for roads, in food preservation, and as a desiccant for drying gases and liquids.

Toxicity

Both ammonium chloride and calcium chloride are considered safe for most applications when used in appropriate quantities. However, excessive consumption of either compound can lead to health issues. Ammonium chloride can cause respiratory irritation and gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts. Similarly, calcium chloride can irritate the skin and eyes upon contact and can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.

Cost

In terms of cost, calcium chloride is generally more expensive than ammonium chloride. This is due to the higher production costs associated with calcium chloride extraction and processing. As a result, ammonium chloride is often preferred in applications where cost is a significant factor, such as in the manufacturing of fertilizers and industrial chemicals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both ammonium chloride and calcium chloride are chloride salts with similar chemical properties, they have distinct differences in terms of solubility, hygroscopicity, applications, toxicity, and cost. Understanding these differences is important in choosing the right compound for specific applications. Whether it is for de-icing roads, preserving food, or manufacturing fertilizers, both compounds play a crucial role in various industries.