Calcium chloride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CaCl2. It is available in both food-grade and technical-grade forms. Calcium chloride is a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It is commonly used in various industries, including the food industry, as well as in technical applications.
Food-grade Calcium Chloride: Food-grade calcium chloride refers to the form of calcium chloride that meets the specific purity and quality standards set for its use in the food industry. It is used as a food additive and has various functions such as a firming agent, a calcium source, and a flavor enhancer. Food-grade calcium chloride is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities.
Technical-grade Calcium Chloride: Technical-grade calcium chloride refers to the form of calcium chloride that is used in non-food industrial applications. It may have slightly different purity requirements compared to the food-grade version. Technical-grade calcium chloride is widely used for various purposes, including de-icing and dust control on roads, as a desiccant, as a drying agent in gas and liquid drying processes, and in concrete accelerators for construction applications.
| Property | Food-Grade | Technical-Grade |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 10043-52-4 | 10043-52-4 |
| Chemical Formula | CaCl2 | CaCl2 |
| Appearance | White, crystalline solid | White, crystalline solid |
| Purity | ≥ 94% | ≥ 94% |
| Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) content | ≥ 77% | ≥ 77% |
| Alkalinity (as Ca(OH)2) | ≤ 0.25% | ≤ 0.25% |
| Magnesium and Alkali Metal Salts | ≤ 4% | ≤ 4% |
| pH Value (10% solution) | 7-9 | 7-9 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water | Soluble in water |
| Food Grade Certifications | Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) | N/A |