Magnesium chlorate (Mg(ClO3)2) is a compound made up of Mg2+ and ClO3- ions. It is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and highly reactive. It can be used as an oxidizing agent in the production of fireworks and as a disinfectant in water treatment.
| IUPAC Name | Magnesium chlorate |
| Molecular Formula | Mg(ClO3)2 |
| CAS Number | 10326-21-3 |
| Synonyms | Magnesium diperchlorate, Magnesium(II) chlorate, Magnesium chlorate hexahydrate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2ClHO3.Mg/c22-1(3)4;/h2(H,2,3,4);/q;;+2/p-2 |
Magnesium Chlorate Properties
Magnesium Chlorate Formula
Magnesium chlorate is a chemical compound with the formula Mg(ClO3)2. The compound is made up of one magnesium ion (Mg2+) and two ClO3-ions. The chemical formula indicates that one molecule of magnesium chlorate contains two chloride ions and six oxygen atoms.
Magnesium Chlorate Molar Mass
The molar mass of Mg(ClO3)2 is 191.2 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding the atomic weights of the elements present in one molecule of Mg(ClO3)2. Magnesium has a molar mass of 24.31 g/mol, while chlorine and oxygen have molar masses of 35.45 g/mol and 16.00 g/mol, respectively. Multiplying the molar mass of each element by the number of atoms of that element in the molecule and adding them together gives the molar mass of the compound.
Magnesium Chlorate Boiling Point
Mg(ClO3)2 decomposes before reaching its boiling point. When heated, Mg(ClO3)2 breaks down into magnesium chloride, oxygen gas, and chlorine gas. Therefore, Mg(ClO3)2 does not have a boiling point.
Magnesium Chlorate Melting Point
The melting point of Mg(ClO3)2 is 105°C. At this temperature, the solid compound converts to a liquid form. The melting point of Mg(ClO3)2 can vary depending on the purity of the compound and the conditions under which it is measured.
Magnesium Chlorate Density g/mL
The density of Mg(ClO3)2 is 2.21 g/mL. This means that one milliliter of Mg(ClO3)2 has a mass of 2.21 grams. The density of Mg(ClO3)2 can be used to calculate the volume of a given mass of the compound or the mass of a given volume of the compound.
Magnesium Chlorate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of Mg(ClO3)2 is 191.2 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding the atomic weights of the elements present in one molecule of Mg(ClO3)2.
Magnesium Chlorate Structure
The structure of Mg(ClO3)2 is composed of magnesium ions surrounded by six oxygen atoms and two chlorine atoms. The magnesium ion is located at the center of the molecule, while the oxygen and chlorine atoms are arranged around it. The compound has a crystalline structure and is white in color.
Magnesium Chlorate Solubility
Mg(ClO3)2 is soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone. The solubility of Mg(ClO3)2 in water increases with temperature. At room temperature, approximately 31 grams of Mg(ClO3)2 can dissolve in 100 mL of water. The solubility of Mg(ClO3)2 in other solvents depends on the polarity of the solvent.
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Specific Gravity | 2.21 g/cm3 |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 191.2 g/mol |
| Density | 2.21 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 105°C |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone |
| Vapor Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Not applicable |
Magnesium Chlorate Safety and Hazards
Mg(ClO3)2 is a strong oxidizing agent and can react violently with combustible materials, causing fires or explosions. It can also cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system upon contact or inhalation. Therefore, appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be used when handling Mg(ClO3)2. The compound should also be stored away from combustible materials and sources of heat or ignition. In addition, proper ventilation should be provided to prevent inhalation of the compound’s dust or vapors. Mg(ClO3)2 should be handled with caution to avoid potential hazards.
| Hazard Symbols | Oxidizer |
| Safety Description | Avoid contact with combustible materials, wear protective gloves and goggles, provide adequate ventilation |
| UN IDs | UN1475 |
| HS Code | 2829.90.90 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | May cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation; may be harmful if ingested |
Magnesium Chlorate Synthesis Methods
One can use different methods to synthesize Mg(ClO3)2.
One common method involves reacting magnesium hydroxide with chloric acid. The reaction proceeds as follows:
Mg(OH)2 + 2HClO3 → Mg(ClO3)2 + 2H2O
Another method involves reacting magnesium carbonate with perchloric acid. The reaction proceeds as follows:
MgCO3 + 2HClO4 → Mg(ClO4)2 + CO2 + H2O
A third method involves the electrolysis of magnesium chloride in the presence of a chlorate salt, such as sodium or potassium chlorate. The reaction proceeds as follows:
2MgCl2 + 2NaClO3 → Mg(ClO3)2 + 2NaCl
In this method, the electrolysis process uses a magnesium anode, and it utilizes chlorate salt as an oxidizing agent.
Magnesium Chlorate Uses
Mg(ClO3)2 has various uses in different fields. Here are some of its applications:
- Pyrotechnics: Commonly used as an oxidizer in pyrotechnic compositions, such as flares, fireworks, and signal devices.
- Chemical synthesis: Used as a source of oxygen in the synthesis of various chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and explosives.
- Bleaching agent: Used as a bleaching agent in the production of paper, pulp, and textiles.
- Water treatment: Also used as a water treatment agent to remove impurities and bacteria in water.
- Laboratory reagent: Used as a laboratory reagent in various analytical chemistry methods.
- Agriculture: Used as a fertilizer and soil amendment to provide magnesium and oxygen to plants.
- Oil and gas industry: Used as an oxidizer in drilling and blasting operations in the oil and gas industry.
Questions:
Q: What is the formula for magnesium chlorate?
A: Mg(ClO3)2.
Q: How many atoms are in 2.1 moles of Mg(ClO3)2?
A: There are 5.04 x 10^24 atoms in 2.1 moles of Mg(ClO3)2.
Q: Magnesium chlorate breaks into what?
A: Mg(ClO3)2 can break into magnesium chloride, oxygen gas, and chlorine gas when heated.
Q: What does magnesium chlorate decompose into?
A: Mg(ClO3)2 decomposes into magnesium chloride and oxygen gas when heated.
Q: What is the total number of oxygen atoms present in one unit of Mg(ClO3)2?
A: There are 6 oxygen atoms present in one unit of Mg(ClO3)2.
Q: What does Mg(ClO3)2 decompose to?
A: Mg(ClO3)2 decomposes to form MgCl2 and O2 when heated.
Q: What is the total number of moles of oxygen atoms present in one mole of Mg(ClO3)2?
A: There are 6 moles of oxygen atoms present in one mole of Mg(ClO3)2.
Q: What is the gram formula mass of Mg(ClO3)2?
A: The gram formula mass of Mg(ClO3)2 is 232.21 g/mol.
Q: Is Mg(ClO3)2 ionic or molecular?
A: Mg(ClO3)2 is an ionic compound.