Calcium Chloride Anhydrous (Powder) from TCI (product code C4209) is the inorganic salt calcium chloride supplied without water of crystallization, in powder form. It is one of the most versatile materials in the laboratory. It is strongly hygroscopic and pulls water vapour out of the surrounding air, so it is widely used as a drying agent in desiccators and drying tubes, and for drying certain solvents. Calcium chloride is also a convenient source of calcium ions for buffer solutions, biological media, and a wide range of inorganic chemistry reactions.
Researchers choose the anhydrous form when they need maximum water-absorbing capacity, and when they want stoichiometric calculations that need no correction for water of crystallization. The powder has a large surface area, so it dissolves faster and absorbs moisture more effectively than granular grades. Dissolving anhydrous calcium chloride in water is exothermic, so prepare solutions gradually. Keep in mind that calcium chloride forms complexes with alcohols, amines, and some carbonyl compounds, which makes it a poor choice for drying those classes of compounds.
Indonesia's humid climate makes anhydrous calcium chloride especially useful for keeping reagents, samples, and equipment dry in research, university, and industrial quality control laboratories. It is a common choice for refreshing desiccator charges, protecting moisture-sensitive materials during storage, and fitting drying tubes on reaction setups that must be shielded from atmospheric moisture. Teaching and research laboratories also use it as a routine calcium source when preparing buffers, culture media, and standard inorganic reaction mixtures.
TCI brochures (PDF)
- Metallic Salts 2025-11-06 · p. 4
- Desiccator drying agent: its strong hygroscopic nature lets it hold a low-humidity atmosphere inside desiccators, protecting dried samples, weighed materials, and moisture-sensitive reagents from air humidity.
- Drying tubes for reaction setups: packed into drying tubes, the anhydrous powder absorbs incoming moisture effectively and keeps humid air away from reactions that must stay dry.
- Drying selected organic solvents: it removes water from suitable solvents, but it should not be used with alcohols, amines, or some carbonyl compounds because it forms complexes with them.
- Preparing buffer solutions and biological media: as a practical calcium ion source, the anhydrous form allows accurate weighing without correcting for water of crystallization in the formulation.
- Inorganic chemistry reactions: the powder dissolves quickly thanks to its large surface area, which makes it a convenient calcium source for routine and research-scale inorganic synthesis work.
| Brand | TCI (product code C4209) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 10043-52-4 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Chemistry > Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry > Main-group Elements |
| Pack sizes | see the product listing for available options |
| Physical form | anhydrous powder |
| Storage | keep tightly closed in a dry place, protected from moisture |
Store anhydrous calcium chloride in its original, tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place, away from humid air. Because it is strongly hygroscopic, reseal the container immediately after each use. A desiccator or a dry storage cabinet is recommended, especially in humid conditions. Glass or chemically resistant plastic containers with secure caps work well. Dissolving it in water releases heat, so add the solid to water slowly and in portions while stirring. Wear safety glasses, gloves, and a lab coat, avoid creating or inhaling dust, and follow the supplier's Safety Data Sheet for full handling guidance.
—






