Calcium vs. Calcium Chloride Dihydrate

Attribute	Calcium	Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
Chemical Formula	Ca	CaCl2·2H2O
Appearance	Silvery-white	White solid
State at Room Temperature	Solid	Solid
Uses	Building strong bones and teeth, nerve function, muscle contraction	De-icing roads, dust control, food preservation, medicine
Solubility in Water	Insoluble	Soluble

Introduction

Calcium and calcium chloride dihydrate are two common forms of calcium that are used in various industries and applications. While both substances contain calcium, they have different properties and uses. In this article, we will compare the attributes of calcium and calcium chloride dihydrate to understand their differences and similarities.

Calcium

Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It is a soft gray alkaline earth metal that is essential for the human body. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and plays a crucial role in bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. It is commonly found in dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods. Calcium supplements are also available for individuals who do not get enough calcium from their diet.

• Essential for bone health
• Important for muscle function
• Plays a role in nerve transmission
• Involved in blood clotting
• Abundant in dairy products and leafy greens

Calcium Chloride Dihydrate

Calcium chloride dihydrate is a hydrated form of calcium chloride, a salt that is composed of calcium and chlorine. It has the chemical formula CaCl2·2H2O and is commonly used as a de-icing agent, food additive, and in various industrial processes. Calcium chloride dihydrate is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. This property makes it useful for drying gases and controlling humidity in certain applications.

• Used as a de-icing agent
• Common food additive
• Hygroscopic nature
• Effective for drying gases
• Controls humidity in industrial processes

Physical Properties

Calcium is a soft, silvery-white metal that is relatively reactive. It has a melting point of 842°C and a boiling point of 1484°C. Calcium chloride dihydrate, on the other hand, is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It has a melting point of 176°C and decomposes at higher temperatures. Both calcium and calcium chloride dihydrate are stable under normal conditions but can react with other substances under certain circumstances.

Chemical Properties

Calcium is a reactive metal that readily forms compounds with other elements. It reacts with water to produce calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Calcium chloride dihydrate, on the other hand, is a salt that dissociates into calcium ions (Ca2+) and chloride ions (Cl-) in water. It is a versatile compound that can be used in various chemical reactions and processes.

Uses

Calcium is primarily used in the production of steel, aluminum, and other metals. It is also used in the manufacture of cement, paper, and chemicals. In the food industry, calcium is added to products like bread, tofu, and orange juice as a fortifying agent. Calcium chloride dihydrate is commonly used as a de-icing agent on roads and sidewalks. It is also used in food preservation, wastewater treatment, and as a drying agent in certain industrial processes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, calcium and calcium chloride dihydrate are two forms of calcium that have distinct properties and uses. While calcium is essential for human health and is used in various industries, calcium chloride dihydrate is primarily used for de-icing, food preservation, and industrial applications. Understanding the differences between these two substances can help in choosing the right form of calcium for specific purposes.