Calcium Chloride

1Identification

Name

Calcium Chloride

IUPAC name

calcium dichloride

CAS number

10043-52-4

Molecular formula

CaCl2

Molecular weight

110.98 g/mol

InChIKey

UXVMQQNJUSDDNG-UHFFFAOYSA-L

SMILES

[Cl-].[Cl-].[Ca+2]

PubChem CID

5284359

Synonyms

CALCIUM CHLORIDE, Calcium dichloride, Calcium chloride anhydrous, CaCl2, Dowflake, Liquidow, Peladow, Bovikalc, Calcium chloride (CaCl2), Calcium Chloride, Anhydrous, Intergravin-orales, Uramine MC, Cacl2 (anhydrous), Calcium(2+) chloride

Recommended uses

• Used as a pavement deicer, a drying and dehydrating agent for organic liquids and gases; a drainage aid in pulp and paper processing, a sizing and finishing agent for cotton fabrics, a desiccant in hydrocarbon processing, a coal thawing agent, a component of oil well drilling muds, a set accelerator in concrete, a tire ballast; a firming agent for fruits, a fire retardant, an additive to control scaffolding in blast furnaces, a humectant in adhesives, an additive in herbicides, an additive in plastics to control particle size, a component of blood and electrolyte replacements, and other medical and veterinary uses; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry] Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry] Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry] Cement Producing [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Both oil base and water base fracturing fluids are being used in the fracturing industry. Water base, which includes alcohol-water mixtures and low strength acids, make up the majority of treating fluids. The common chemicals added to these fluids are polymers for viscosity development, crosslinkers for viscosity enhancement, pH control chemicals, gel breakers for polymer degradation following the treatment, surfactants, clay stabilizers, alcohol, bactericides, fluid loss additives and friction reducer. /Hydraulic fracturing/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Freeze-thaw additive Lubricating agent Binder Anti-freeze agent Dust suppressant Opacifer Surfactant (surface active agent) Processing aids not otherwise specified Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Soil amendments (fertilizers) Viscosity modifiers Preservative Stabilizing agent Laboratory chemicals Adsorbent Processing aids, specific to petroleum production Intermediate Flocculating agent Solids separation (precipitating) agent, not otherwise specified Density modifier
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Anti-freeze agent Flavoring and nutrient Lubricating agent Freeze-thaw additive Processing aids not otherwise specified pH regulating agent Dust suppressant Dehydrating agent (desiccant) Soil amendments (fertilizers) Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Stabilizing agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Enzymes and Enzyme Stabilizers;Processing Aids and Additives · Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern · Food additives · Food Additives -> FIRMING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• Calcium chloride is a white to off-white solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Calcium dichloride is an inorganic calcium salt, a calcium salt and an inorganic chloride. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound and a fertilizer.
  ChEBI
• Calcium chloride is an ionic compound of calcium and chlorine. It is highly soluble in water and it is deliquescent. It is a salt that is solid at room temperature, and it behaves as a typical ionic halide. It has several common applications such as brine for refrigeration plants, ice and dust control on roads, and in cement. It can be produced directly from limestone, but large amounts are also produced as a by-product of the Solvay process. Because of its hygroscopic nature, it must be kept in tightly-sealed containers.
  DrugBank

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

4 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• Inhalation causes irritation of nose and throat. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. Contact with eyes (particularly by dust) causes irritation and possible transient corneal injury. Contact of solid with dry skin causes mild irritation; strong solutions can cause marked irritation, even a superficial burn. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A skin and respiratory tract irritant; May cause ulcerations to nasal mucous membranes; May cause dry skin and redness; [ICSC] A skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant; May cause lacrimation; [HSDB] May cause serious damage to eyes; [CHEMINFO] A severe irritant that may cause burns; [MSDSonline] See Calcium.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• INHALATION: move to fresh air; if discomfort persists, get medical attention. INGESTION: give large amounts of water. EYES: promptly flood with water and continue washing for at least 15 min.; consult an ophthalmologist. SKIN: flush with water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Dry skin. Skin burns.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Burns.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Fire Control: Use water, dry chemical, carbon dioxide or foam to extinguish. Do not extinguish fire unless release can be stopped. Cool fire-exposed containers with water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Poisonous gases are produced in fire including chlorine.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Spill Control: Restrict access to spill site, call fire department and notify manufacturer, stop the flow and contain spill if safe to do so, keep contaminated water from entering sewers or water courses, and avoid contact with liquid and solid.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Emergency control Procedures: Soil; Construct barriers to contain spill and remove material by manual or mechanical means. Water; Contain by damming, water diversion or natural barriers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• When solid calcium chloride is spilled on land, shovel into containers (avoid dusting) for recovery or disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from zinc. Dry. Well closed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Storage space should be well ventilated.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Dry bulk calcium chloride can be stored in bins fabricated from most construction-grade steel materials. Care should be taken to minimize moisture. Venting should be limited to times of filling and discharging calcium chloride from the storage bin.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Liquid calcium chloride can be stored in either horizontal or vertical cylindrical tanks constructed of steel. Fiberglass and plastic may also be used within limits of strength and temperature.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Safety glasses or face shield, dust-type respirator, rubber gloves (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• SUITABLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING INCL OVERALLS, GLOVES & HEADWEAR SHOULD BE WORN TO PREVENT DUST & SPLASHES OF ... SOLN COMING IN CONTACT WITH SKIN & MUCOUS MEMBRANES. WHERE CONCN ARE ELEVATED, GOGGLES & RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ARE NECESSARY.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SAFETY GLASSES OR FACE SHIELD, DUST-TYPE RESPIRATOR, RUBBER GLOVES.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Rubber boots, bootees, or well-oiled leather shoes are desirable when handling any calcium chloride product. Canvas gloves or gauntlets ordinarily are satisfactory in handling flake calcium chloride, but rubber gloves, rubberized or latex coated canvas gauntlets are preferred for handling solutions. A rubber or rubberized raincoat is suggested where clothing may become wet with calcium chloride solution.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Bromine trifluoride rapidly attacks calcium chloride [Mellor 2 Supp. 1:164, 165 1956]. Long term exposure of calcium chloride solution upon a zinc coated galvanized iron vessel caused slow evolution of hydrogen which ignited and exploded [Bretherick, 5th Ed., 1995].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Deliquescent. Water soluble. Adding calcium chloride to hot water caused violent boiling, [MCA Case History No. 69].
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Exothermic reaction with water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Reaction with zinc releases explosive hydrogen gas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Catalyzes exothermic polymerization of methyl vinyl ether.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is corrosive to the eyes. The substance is severely irritating to the skin, upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the nasal mucous membrane. This may result in tissue lesions.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Waste calcium chloride must never be discharged directly into sewers or surface waters.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Residues of calcium chloride are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals. Use: stabilizer. Limit: none.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of the following chemical substances are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation, provided that the substance is applied on a semi-permanent or permanent food-contact surface (other than being applied on food packaging) with adequate draining before contact with food. ... (b) The following chemical substances when used as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation may be applied to: Dairy processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils. Calcium chloride is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 5284359 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.