Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is classified as a polar ionic compound. This classification is due to the presence of calcium ions (Ca2+) and chloride ions (Cl–). The substantial difference in electronegativity between calcium and chlorine leads to the formation of an ionic bond, where calcium donates two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in a positive charge, while each chlorine atom gains an electron, resulting in a negative charge. This charge separation creates a dipole, which means the compound exhibits polar characteristics.
When it comes to solubility, CaCl2 is soluble in water. The ions that make up this ionic compound are attracted to the water molecules due to their polar nature. Water molecules are polar themselves, having a positive end (hydrogen atoms) and a negative end (oxygen atom). When CaCl2 is added to water, the positive part of water molecules interacts with the chloride ions, and the negative part interacts with the calcium ions. This interaction facilitates the dissociation of the compound into its constituent ions, allowing it to dissolve easily.