mechem - 17-4-2008 at 13:14
I have some calcium chloride hexahydrate but need to convert it to a good anhydrous desiccant, as far as possible. What is the optimum temperature to
heat it to and for how long.
Saerynide - 17-4-2008 at 14:56
Don't bother with the temperature. Just throw it on the stove til it stops evolving steam and becomes a dry powder 
I heard it loses its water at ~175C.
mechem - 17-4-2008 at 15:43
Would it not stay at the dihydrate at 175C
Phosphor-ing - 17-4-2008 at 15:51
http://www.physicsforums.com/archive/index.php/t-174878.html
tells you what happens at 175C
[Edited on 17-4-2008 by Phosphor-ing]
Klute - 17-4-2008 at 16:03
I'm sure it would be much easier to just go and buy the anhydrous pellets in any hardware store, no? These work wonders as dessicant for dessicators,
gas, and certains solvants/solution (check compatibility beforehand).
They are very cheap, it will surely be more expensive to heat up a oven at >200°C for several hours to get a few 100's g of product.