Magnesium acetate (Mg(C2H3O2)2) is a compound made up of Mg2+ and C2H3O2- ions. It is commonly used as a drying agent in organic synthesis and as a food additive.
| IUPAC Name | Magnesium acetate |
| Molecular Formula | Mg(C2H3O2)2 |
| CAS Number | 142-72-3 |
| Synonyms | Magnesium diacetate, Acetic acid magnesium salt, Magnesium ethanoate, CAS 73567-85-6, EINECS 240-882-6, UNII-RS92S4G29A |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2C2H4O2.Mg/c21-2(3)4;/h21H3,(H,3,4);/q;;+2/p-2 |
Magnesium Acetate Properties
Magnesium Acetate Formula
The chemical formula for magnesium acetate is Mg(C2H3O2)2. This formula represents the composition of the compound, with one Mg2+ and two C2H3O2- ions. The formula is important in determining the amount of the compound needed for a particular reaction. It is also useful in identifying the compound in different contexts.
Magnesium Acetate Molar Mass
The molar mass of Mg(C2H3O2)2 is 142.39 g/mol. This value is obtained by adding the atomic masses of Mg2+ (24.31 g/mol) and C2H3O2- ions (58.08 g/mol). The molar mass is an important property in determining the amount of Mg(C2H3O2)2 needed for a particular reaction.
Magnesium Acetate Boiling Point
Mg(C2H3O2)2 has a relatively high boiling point of 117.5°C (243.5°F). This property is due to the ionic nature of the compound and the strong electrostatic attraction between the magnesium and acetate ions. At this temperature, the compound will begin to vaporize, but it will remain in the liquid state unless subjected to higher temperatures.
Magnesium Acetate Melting Point
The melting point of Mg(C2H3O2)2 is 160°C (320°F). This value is obtained by heating the compound until it changes from a solid to a liquid. The melting point is an important property that determines the temperature at which the compound will transition from a solid to a liquid state. This property is critical for the proper handling and storage of the compound.
Magnesium Acetate Density g/mL
The density of Mg(C2H3O2)2 is 1.45 g/mL. This value is obtained by dividing the mass of the compound by its volume. Density is an important property that determines the mass of a particular volume of the compound. It is also a useful property in determining the purity of the compound, as impurities can affect the density.
Magnesium Acetate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of Mg(C2H3O2)2 is 142.39 g/mol. This value is obtained by adding the atomic masses of magnesium and two acetate ions. Molecular weight is an important property that determines the amount of a compound needed for a particular reaction. It is also useful in determining the purity of the compound.
Magnesium Acetate Structure
Mg(C2H3O2)2 has an ionic structure in which Mg2+ cations are surrounded by two C2H3O2-anions. The Mg2+ cation has a +2 charge, while the C2H3O2- anion has a -1 charge. The structure is held together by electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.45 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 142.39 g/mol |
| Density | 1.45 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 160°C (320°F) |
| Boiling Point | 117.5°C (243.5°F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, methanol, acetone |
| Vapour Pressure | Not available |
| Vapour Density | Not available |
| pKa | 4.76 |
| pH | 7.5 – 9.0 |
Magnesium Acetate Safety and Hazards
Mg(C2H3O2)2 is generally considered safe for use in its intended applications, but as with any chemical compound, there are some potential hazards to be aware of. It can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system if inhaled or ingested. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause more serious health effects. Mg(C2H3O2)2 should be handled with care, and appropriate protective measures should be taken when working with the compound. It is also important to follow proper storage and disposal protocols to prevent accidental exposure or environmental damage.
| Hazard Symbols | None |
| Safety Description | S22 – Do not breathe dust; S24/25 – Avoid contact with skin and eyes; S36/37/39 – Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection; S45 – In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label if possible) |
| UN IDs | Not applicable |
| HS Code | 29152900 |
| Hazard Class | Not classified as hazardous |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity, but can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory system if not handled properly |
Magnesium Acetate Synthesis Methods
Synthesize Mg(C2H3O2)2 using a variety of methods, including reacting magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide with acetic acid.
In one common method, add magnesium oxide to a solution of acetic acid to form Mg(C2H3O2)2 and water. Filter the resulting solution and evaporate it to yield a solid Mg(C2H3O2)2 product.
Another method involves the reaction of magnesium metal with acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst, such as copper chloride or copper sulfate. The reaction produces Mg(C2H3O2)2, hydrogen gas, and copper metal as a byproduct.
Synthesize Mg(C2H3O2)2 through a metathesis reaction by reacting magnesium chloride with sodium acetate in the presence of water to produce Mg(C2H3O2)2 and sodium chloride.
Overall, the choice of synthesis method depends on factors such as the desired purity of the Mg(C2H3O2)2 product, the availability of starting materials, and the scale of the production process.
Magnesium Acetate Uses
Mg(C2H3O2)2 has a wide range of applications across various industries due to its unique properties. Here are some common uses of Mg(C2H3O2)2:
- Food additives: Used as a food additive to enhance the nutritional value of foods and to prevent spoilage.
- Medicine: Used in medicine as a source of magnesium, which is an essential mineral that plays a key role in many physiological processes.
- Textiles: Used in the textile industry as a mordant, which is a substance that helps to fix dyes to fabrics.
- Water treatment: Used in water treatment applications to remove impurities from water and to prevent the buildup of scale in pipes and equipment.
- Concrete: Used in the production of concrete to improve its strength and durability.
- Chemical synthesis: Used as a starting material for the synthesis of other chemical compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, flavors, and fragrances.
Questions:
Q: What forms when acetic acid and magnesium carbonate react?
A: When acetic acid and magnesium carbonate react, Mg(C2H3O2)2, carbon dioxide gas, and water are formed.
Q: Where to buy calcium magnesium acetate?
A: Calcium Mg(C2H3O2)2 can be purchased from various chemical suppliers and online marketplaces.
Q: Is magnesium acetate soluble in water?
A: Yes, Mg(C2H3O2)2 is soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 54 g/L at room temperature.
Q: What is the molar concentration of a 5.00 L solution that contains 0.800 mol of magnesium acetate?
A: The molar concentration of a 5.00 L solution that contains 0.800 mol of Mg(C2H3O2)2 is 0.160 M.