Chlorine: Chlorine has 7 electrons in its outermost shell. Its electron dot structure is:

Cl: • • • • • • •

Calcium: Calcium has 20 electrons in its outermost shell. Its electron dot structure is:

Ca: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •



Calcium Chloride is formed by the transfer of electrons from Calcium to Chlorine.

Step 1: Calcium donates two electrons to Chlorine

Ca: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • --> Ca2+ + 2e-

Cl: • • • • • • • + 2e- --> Cl-

Step 2: Chlorine accepts two electrons from Calcium

Ca2+ + 2e- --> Ca: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cl- + 2e- --> Cl: • • • • • • •

Step 3: Calcium and Chlorine ions combine to form Calcium Chloride

Ca: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • + Cl: • • • • • • • --> CaCl2

The resulting compound, Calcium Chloride, has a lattice structure and is held together by ionic bonds.



In the electron dot structure of Calcium, there are two electrons in the outermost shell that are available for bonding. In the electron dot structure of Chlorine, there is only one electron in the outermost shell that is available for bonding. In order to achieve a stable electron configuration, Calcium donates two electrons to Chlorine, forming Ca2+ and Cl- ions. The resulting ions are attracted to each other by electrostatic forces, forming an ionic bond and resulting in the formation of Calcium Chloride. Calcium Chloride has many uses, including as a desiccant, de-icer, and food additive.