Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) is an inorganic compound that consists of cadmium and chlorine. It usually occurs as colorless or white crystals, has a high melting point (about 568 °C), is soluble in water, and ionizes into Cd²⁺ and Cl⁻ ions in water. The solubility of cadmium chloride in water increases with increasing temperature.

Cadmium chloride is mainly used in industry as a catalyst in electroplating, metallurgy, organic synthesis, and the production of other cadmium compounds.

1. Electroplating: Cadmium chloride is used in the electroplating industry, especially in the surface treatment of steel, aluminum, and other metals, to improve the corrosion resistance and appearance of metals.

2. Metallurgy: In the metallurgical industry, cadmium chloride is used as a solvent to help extract and refine metals.

3. Catalyst: Cadmium chloride is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, especially in polymerization reactions and coupling reactions.

4. Manufacture of copper sulfate: Cadmium chloride is used in the production of copper sulfate, an important agricultural chemical that is used as a trace element fertilizer for plant growth.

5. Glass and ceramic coloring: Cadmium chloride is used in the glass and ceramic industry as a red or yellow colorant.

6. Optoelectronic materials: Cadmium chloride can be used to make certain types of photodetectors and other optoelectronic devices.