1) Calcium chloride, CaCl2, is a common salt. It behaves as a typical ionic halide, and is solid at room temperature. 2) It has several common applications such as brine for refrigeration plants, ice and dust control on roads, and in concrete. 3) It can be produced directly from limestone, but large amounts are also produced as a by-product of the Solvay process. 4) Because of its hygroscopic nature, it must be kept in tightly-sealed containers. 5) It is used to turn kelp into a solid.