Question

The $\text{CaC}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}$ is used as:
A.Disinfectant
B.Desiccant agent
C.Medicine
D.None of these

Answer 1

${\text{CaC}}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}$ or calcium chloride is an ionic salt of calcium and chlorine with the calcium having $\left( { + 2} \right)$ oxidation state and the chloride anions in the $\left( { - 1} \right)$ oxidation state. The salt has a property of absorbing water from the atmosphere.

Complete answer:
Hygroscopy is the tendency of attracting and holding water molecules via adsorption or adsorption from the surrounding environment which is usually at normal or room temperature if the water molecules remain suspended among the substance’s molecules, absorbing substances can change physically.
Calcium chloride is commonly encountered as hydrated solid with generic formula $\text{CaC}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}.\left( \text{x}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}\text{O} \right)$ where x can be equal to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. These compounds can be used for de-icing dust control. The anhydrous salt being hygroscopic, it is used as a desiccant.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note:
By depressing the freezing point of water, calcium chloride is used to prevent ice formation and is used to de-ice. This application consumes a great amount of calcium chloride and is used a lot as it is a relatively harmless salt to plants and the soil. As a de-icing agent, it is more suitable than at lower temperatures than sodium chloride. When distributed for this use, it usually takes the form of small white spheres, a few millimetres in diameters. Solutions of calcium chloride can prevent freezing at temperatures as low as $-{{52}^{\text{0}}}\text{C}$ making it ideal for filling agricultural implement tyres as a liquid ballast; aiding traction in cold climates.