Cadmium chloride
Appearance
Cadmium chloride is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is CdCl2. It has cadmium and chloride ions in it. The cadmium is in its +2 oxidation state.
Properties
[change | change source]Cadmium chloride is a colorless solid. It dissolves easily in water. It is toxic and carcinogenic (causes cancer). It is mostly ionic but a little covalent. It reacts with bases to make cadmium oxide.
Preparation
[change | change source]Cadmium chloride is made by reacting cadmium oxide, cadmium, or cadmium carbonate with hydrochloric acid. It can also be made by mixing cadmium and chlorine.
Uses
[change | change source]It is used to make yellow cadmium sulfide, which is used as a pigment. It is also used to make organocadmium compounds. It is also used for electroplating.