Calcium Chloride vs Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate
Comprehensive comparison of Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate including physical properties, applications, safety considerations, and pricing. Alliance Chemical supplies both chemicals in various grades and concentrations.
Quick Comparison Summary
Physical & Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | Calcium Chloride | Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 1935 °C | Decomposes | Calcium Chloride boils 1935°C higher |
| Flash Point ⚠️ | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Density | 2.15 g/cm³ | 1.569 g/cm³ | Calcium Chloride is denser |
| Water Solubility | 74.5 g/100 mL (20 °C) | 54.3 g/100 mL (20 °C) | |
| pH | 8-10 (10% solution) | 5-7 (10% solution) | Similar pH range |
| Molecular Weight | 110.98 g/mol | 203.30 g/mol | Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate is heavier molecule |
| Melting Point | 772 °C | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Vapor Pressure | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Auto-ignition Temp ⚠️ | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Vapor Density | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid | White crystalline powder | |
| Odor | Odorless | Odorless | Similar odor |
Data sourced from PubChem (NIH), OSHA Technical Guidelines, and Alliance Chemical laboratory analysis. Last verified June 2026.
Applications & Use Cases
Calcium Chloride Best For:
- De-icing roads
- Dust control
- Desiccant
- Concrete accelerator
- Food processing
Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate Best For:
- Laboratory reagent
- Dust control
- De-icing agent
- Concrete set accelerator
- Textile processing
Choosing Between Them
The right choice depends on your specific application, required purity, and handling capabilities. Contact our team for guidance on which chemical best fits your needs.
Safety & Handling Comparison
Storage Requirements
Always store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area per NFPA 30 guidelines. Refer to each product's SDS for specific storage temperature ranges and incompatible materials.
PPE Requirements
At minimum: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138. Check each SDS below for chemical-specific PPE requirements.
Fire Hazard
Consult SDS for specific fire hazard information.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
Decision Snapshot
| Decision Factor | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Profile | Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate | Lower boiling point supports faster flash-off. |
| Fire Safety Margin | Check SDS | Flash-point data is incomplete for one or both products. |
| Application Breadth | Tie | Compares distinct listed use cases to avoid generic recommendations. |
| Purity Flexibility | Standard grades | Based on availability of 99%+ concentration options in current product metadata. |
Choose Calcium Chloride if:
- You specifically need support for de-icing roads applications.
- You specifically need support for desiccant applications.
- You need a higher-boiling solvent that stays in-process longer.
Choose Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate if:
- You specifically need support for laboratory reagent applications.
- You specifically need support for de-icing agent applications.
- You want a faster-evaporating solvent for quick-dry production steps.
Commercial & Fulfillment Snapshot
Built for purchasing teams that need predictable dispatch, compliant documentation, and freight flexibility from parcel to full truckload.
| Procurement Advantage | Calcium Chloride | Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate |
|---|---|---|
| Grade & Concentration Coverage | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. |
| Packaging Depth | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. |
| Dispatch SLA | Lane-scheduling cutoff is 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) and noon CT Friday. Outbound dispatch from Taylor, TX typically completes within 1-2 business days. | Lane-scheduling cutoff is 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) and noon CT Friday. Outbound dispatch from Taylor, TX typically completes within 1-2 business days. |
| Freight Optionality | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. |
| Compliance Readiness | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. |
| Bulk Procurement CTA | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. |
Need Help Deciding? Our technical team can help you choose the right chemical for your specific application. Email sales@alliancechemical.com for expert guidance.
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Alliance Chemical supplies both Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate in various grades and package sizes.