Calcium Chloride vs. Magnesium Chloride — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 25, 2023
Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂) is a salt of calcium and chlorine, while Magnesium Chloride (MgCl₂) is a salt of magnesium and chlorine. Both are used in various applications but differ chemically based on their metallic element.
Difference Between Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Calcium Chloride: This salt, represented as CaCl₂, has a calcium ion bonded to two chloride ions. Widely used in various industries, Calcium Chloride serves as a deicing agent, food preservative, and desiccant. Its ability to absorb moisture makes it valuable in several applications.
Magnesium Chloride: Represented by the formula MgCl₂, this is a salt where a magnesium ion is connected to two chloride ions. Magnesium Chloride plays a role in medicinal purposes, deicing, and is also a source of magnesium in various supplements. Its health-related uses are of significant note.
Chemical Differences: At the foundational level, the difference between Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride lies in their metallic ions. While both possess two chloride ions, the former contains calcium and the latter, magnesium. These distinctions lead to differing chemical properties and uses.
Practical Applications: Both Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride find utility as deicing agents, but their applications diverge in other sectors. For instance, Calcium Chloride is often seen in food preservation, while Magnesium Chloride can be a primary component in health supplements.
Reactivity and Behavior: Both salts exhibit different reactivities and behaviors due to their distinct metallic components. When dissolved, Calcium Chloride can yield calcium ions and chloride ions, whereas Magnesium Chloride would provide magnesium and chloride ions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Chemical Formula
CaCl₂
MgCl₂
Metallic Ion
Calcium
Magnesium
Deicing Use
Commonly used
Also used
Health Applications
Less frequent, mostly external
Common in dietary supplements and health treatments
Food Application
Used as a preservative and firming agent
Less frequent in food preservation
Compare with Definitions
Calcium Chloride
A salt derived from calcium and chlorine.
Calcium Chloride is effective in removing ice from roads.
Magnesium Chloride
An inorganic compound with the formula MgCl₂.
In its hexahydrate form, Magnesium Chloride can be used for dust control.
Calcium Chloride
A deicing agent effective even at low temperatures.
During winters, municipalities spread Calcium Chloride on roads to prevent ice formation.
Magnesium Chloride
A source of magnesium for various health supplements.
Doctors might prescribe Magnesium Chloride to treat magnesium deficiencies.
Calcium Chloride
A chemical compound with the formula CaCl₂.
Calcium Chloride can be found in certain canned vegetables as a firming agent.
Magnesium Chloride
A compound with therapeutic benefits.
Baths infused with Magnesium Chloride can have relaxing effects.
Calcium Chloride
An ionic compound used in food processing.
Cheese production often involves the use of Calcium Chloride.
Magnesium Chloride
A chemical used for deicing purposes.
Magnesium Chloride is favored for its reduced environmental impact compared to other deicers.
Calcium Chloride
A hygroscopic compound used as a desiccant.
Many industries use Calcium Chloride to keep products dry.
Magnesium Chloride
A salt comprising magnesium and chlorine.
Magnesium Chloride supplements can support bone health.
Common Curiosities
Why might one take Magnesium Chloride supplements?
Magnesium Chloride supplements can help treat or prevent magnesium deficiencies.
Which is more commonly found in health supplements?
Magnesium Chloride is more common in dietary supplements than Calcium Chloride.
Are Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride both salts?
Yes, both Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride are salts derived from calcium and magnesium, respectively.
Can both be used for deicing?
Yes, both Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride are used as deicing agents.
Can they be found naturally?
Yes, both can be found in natural sources, like mineral springs and seawater.
In which industries are they most commonly used?
Both are used in the chemical industry, with Calcium Chloride also prominent in food and Magnesium Chloride in health.
Are they reactive?
Both can be reactive, especially when exposed to moisture or certain chemicals.
Is Calcium Chloride used in food?
Yes, Calcium Chloride is often used as a preservative and firming agent in food.
Are they both soluble in water?
Yes, both Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride are highly soluble in water.
How do they appear in their solid forms?
Calcium Chloride often appears as white granules or flakes, while Magnesium Chloride can be found as colorless crystals.
Are both compounds hygroscopic?
Yes, both Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb water.
Which one has a more significant health-related application?
Magnesium Chloride tends to have a broader range of health-related applications than Calcium Chloride.
How are the compounds formed?
Both are formed through the neutralization of hydrochloric acid with calcium or magnesium carbonate.
Can they both be used in bath salts?
Yes, both can be found in bath salts, but Magnesium Chloride is more common for therapeutic purposes.
Are there any safety concerns associated with them?
Both are generally safe but can be irritating if contacted directly; always follow safety guidelines.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Rods vs. Cones
Next Comparison
Tomato Sauce vs. KetchupAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
