Question

What is deliquescence? What name is given to the compounds exhibiting such property?

Answer 1

Deliquescence is the absorption of moisture present in the air by salts at room temperature. These salts absorb moisture from atmosphere to form a saturated solution. For example, anhydrous calcium chloride (anhydrous CaCl₂) absorbs moisture from air, becomes moist and forms a solution. The compounds that exhibit this property are called deliquescent compounds.