Calcium iodide (CaI2) is a chemical compound composed of calcium and iodine. It is commonly used as an iodine supplement and in photography as a photographic intensifier.
| IUPAC name | Calcium iodide |
| Molecular formula | CaI2 |
| CAS number | 10102-68-8 |
| Synonyms | Calcium diiodide, Calcii iodidum, Iodure de calcium |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Ca.2HI/h;2*1H/q+2;;/p-2 |
Calcium Iodide Properties
Calcium Iodide Formula
The chemical formula of calcium iodide is CaI2. This indicates that there are two iodine atoms for every calcium atom in the compound. Calcium iodide is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and other polar solvents. It is commonly used as a source of iodine in animal feed and as a component of photographic intensifiers.
Calcium Iodide Molar Mass
CaI2 has a molar mass of approximately 293.89 g/mol. This is calculated by adding the atomic masses of Ca (40.08 g/mol) and I (126.9 g/mol), multiplied by two, since there are two I atoms in CaI2. The molar mass of a compound is an important property used in stoichiometric calculations, which involve determining the amount of reactants needed or the amount of products produced in a chemical reaction.
Calcium Iodide Boiling Point
The boiling point of CaI2 is approximately 1,327 °C (2,421 °F). This high boiling point is due to the strong ionic bond between calcium and iodine atoms in the compound. CaI2 is commonly used in high-temperature applications, such as in the production of alloys and ceramics.
Calcium Iodide Melting Point
CaI2 has a melting point of approximately 779 °C (1,434 °F). The high melting point of CaI2 is due to the strong ionic bond between the Ca and I atoms in the compound. CaI2 is often used in high-temperature applications, such as in the production of molten salts and as a heat transfer fluid.
Calcium Iodide Density g/mL
The density of CaI2 is approximately 4.51 g/mL. This high density is due to the presence of two I atoms for every Ca atom in the compound. CaI2 is commonly used as a source of iodine in animal feed and as a component of photographic intensifiers.
Calcium Iodide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of CaI2 is approximately 293.89 g/mol. This is calculated by adding the atomic masses of Ca and I, multiplied by two since there are two I atoms in the compound. The molecular weight of a compound is an important property used in stoichiometric calculations, which involve determining the amount of reactants needed or the amount of products produced in a chemical reaction.
Calcium Iodide Structure
CaI2 has a crystal structure that is similar to that of sodium chloride (NaCl). It forms a face-centered cubic lattice, with Ca+2 ions occupying the corners of the cube and I- ions occupying the face centers. The strong ionic bonds between the Ca and I atoms in the compound give it a high melting and boiling point.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 4.51 |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 293.89 g/mol |
| Density | 4.51 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 779 °C (1,434 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 1,327 °C (2,421 °F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol and acetone |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Not applicable |
Calcium Iodide Safety and Hazards
CaI2 is generally considered to be safe and non-toxic when handled and used properly. However, it can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if it comes into contact with them. Inhaling CaI2 dust can irritate the lungs and throat. It is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator when handling CaI2. CaI2 is not considered to be flammable or explosive, and it is not known to be a carcinogen or mutagen. It is important to follow proper handling and storage procedures to minimize any potential hazards.
| Hazard Symbols | Xn, N |
| Safety Description | 26-36/37/39-45-61 |
| UN IDs | UN3077 |
| HS Code | 28276000 |
| Hazard Class | 9 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | May irritate, harmful if swallowed or inhaled, and may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. |
Calcium Iodide Synthesis Methods
The most common method for synthesizing CaI2 involves reacting hydroiodic acid or iodine with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide.
React calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide with hydroiodic acid or iodine to synthesize CaI2.
The second method involves the reaction of calcium oxide with iodine to produce CaI2 and oxygen gas. Calcium hydroxide can also perform this reaction instead of calcium oxide.
Another method for producing CaI2 involves the reaction of calcium metal with iodine. Calcium reacts with iodine to produce CaI2 and releases heat. Calcium hydride replaces calcium metal in the reaction to produce CaI2.
Reacting calcium with hydriodic acid in the presence of a reducing agent such as iron or zinc produces CaI2. Evaporate the solution to obtain CaI2 crystals.
Calcium Iodide Uses
CaI2 has several applications in different industries, including:
- Medical: Used as a source of iodine for dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, such as thyroid hormones and radiopharmaceuticals.
- Chemical synthesis: Used as a catalyst in several chemical reactions, including the conversion of alcohols to alkyl iodides and the dehydration of primary amides to nitriles.
- Photography: Used in the production of photographic film and paper as a sensitizer for silver bromide and silver chloride.
- Electronics: Used in the manufacturing of semiconductors, scintillation detectors, and radiation shields.
- Food industry: Used as an additive in the food industry to provide a source of iodine for food fortification.
- Animal feed: Used as a supplement in animal feed to prevent iodine deficiency and improve animal health.
- Oil and gas industry: Also used as a drilling fluid additive in the oil and gas industry to stabilize shale formations and prevent wellbore collapse.
Questions:
Q: What volume of a 0.120 M CaI2 solution would contain 0.078 mol of the solute?
A: To calculate the volume of the CaI2 solution containing 0.078 mol of the solute, we can use the formula: moles = concentration x volume. Rearranging this formula to solve for volume, we get volume = moles/concentration. Substituting the values given in the question, we get volume = 0.078 mol / 0.120 M = 0.65 L. Therefore, the volume of the CaI2 solution containing 0.078 mol of the solute is 0.65 L.
Q: Is CaI2 soluble in water?
A: Yes, CaI2 is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of 121 g/100 mL at 20°C.
Q: What is the name of the compound with the formula CaI2?
A: The compound with the formula CaI2 is called calcium iodide.
Q: What is CaI2?
A: CaI2 is a chemical compound composed of calcium and iodine. It is a white or colorless crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water.
Q: What reaction occurs at the anode in the electrolysis of CaI2?
A: In the electrolysis of CaI2, the anode reaction involves the oxidation of I- ions to form iodine gas and electrons. The overall reaction is: 2I- -> I2 + 2e-.
Q: What is the formula for calcium iodide?
A: The formula for calcium iodide is CaI2.
Q: Is CaI2 ionic or covalent?
A: CaI2 is an ionic compound, consisting of a metal cation (Ca2+) and a nonmetal anion (I-).