Calcium Chlorite, CaClO₂

Calcium Chlorite, CaClO₂, is formed by the action of chlorine dioxide, ClO₂, on calcium peroxide prepared by the action of hydrogen peroxide on milk of lime. A solution is obtained from which calcium chlorite crystallises in vacuo over potassium hydroxide, or may be precipitated by alcohol and ether. It explodes on percussion and decomposes completely in contact with a heated wire.