Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is a compound consisting of magnesium and chloride ions. It is commonly used as a supplement to treat magnesium deficiency and as a de-icer for roads and sidewalks.
| IUPAC Name | Magnesium chloride |
| Molecular Formula | MgCl2 |
| CAS Number | 7786-30-3 |
| Synonyms | Magnesium dichloride, Chloromagnesite, Bischloromagnesium, Magnesium (II) chloride, E511, Nigari |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2ClH.Mg/h2*1H;/q;;+2/p-2 |
Magnesium chloride formula
The chemical formula of magnesium chloride is MgCl2. This formula indicates that magnesium chloride consists of one Mg+2 and two Cl- ions ions. The formula is important in determining the amount of magnesium chloride needed in chemical reactions. Magnesium chloride is commonly used as a supplement to treat Mg deficiency and as a de-icer for roads and sidewalks.
Magnesium chloride molar mass
The molar mass of magnesium chloride is 95.21 g/mol. It is a crystalline compound that consists of one Mg+2 and two Cl- ions ions. The molar mass is an important property of magnesium chloride as it is used to calculate the amount of substance in chemical reactions. Magnesium chloride is commonly used as a supplement to treat Mg deficiency and as a de-icer for roads and sidewalks.
MgCl2 boiling point
MgCl2 has a high boiling point of 1412°C, which means that it requires a lot of energy to break the bonds between its atoms and molecules. This property makes it useful in high-temperature applications, such as in the production of metals and alloys. MgCl2 is also used as a desiccant to absorb moisture from the air, and as a catalyst in chemical reactions.
MgCl2 melting point
The melting point of MgCl2 is 714°C, which means that it is a solid at room temperature. This property makes it useful in a variety of applications, such as in the production of magnesium metal and as a flux in the welding of aluminum. MgCl2 is also used as a coagulant in the production of tofu and other soy products.
MgCl2 density g/ml
The density of MgCl2 is 2.32 g/ml. This property makes it useful in a variety of applications, such as in the production of fireproofing materials and in the treatment of wastewater. MgCl2 is also used as a dust suppressant on roads and in the construction of highways.
MgCl2 molecular weight
The molecular weight of MgCl2 is 95.21 g/mol. This property is important in determining the amount of MgCl2 needed in chemical reactions. MgCl2 is commonly used as a supplement to treat magnesium deficiency and as a de-icer for roads and sidewalks.
MgCl2 structure
MgCl2 has a crystalline structure that consists of one Mg+2 and two Cl- ions. The structure of MgCl2 is important in determining its physical and chemical properties. MgCl2 is used in a variety of applications, such as in the production of magnesium metal, as a desiccant, and as a coagulant in the production of tofu and other soy products.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.32 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 95.21 g/mol |
| Density | 2.32 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 714 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1412 °C |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, ethanol, methanol |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | 7.6 (for Mg(H2O)6^2+ ion) |
| pH | 6.0 – 8.0 |
Magnesium Chloride Safety and Hazards
Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, it can pose some hazards if not handled properly. It can cause skin and eye irritation, and inhaling the dust can cause respiratory problems. Ingesting large amounts of MgCl2 can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also be harmful to aquatic life if released into waterways. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn when handling MgCl2. Any spills or releases should be contained and cleaned up immediately to prevent environmental damage.
| Hazard Symbols | None assigned |
| Safety Description | Avoid contact with skin and eyes. In case of contact, flush with water. Wear gloves and goggles when handling. |
| UN IDs | UN 2019 |
| HS Code | 28273100 |
| Hazard Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | LD50 (oral, rat) – 4640 mg/kg; LC50 (inhalation, rat) – >4.4 mg/L for 4 hours |
Magnesium Chloride Synthesis Methods
Various methods can synthesize MgCl2, including direct synthesis, reaction with hydrochloric acid, and reaction with MgO.
To produce MgCl2 using direct synthesis, burn magnesium metal in air or chlorine gas to create MgO. Next, react MgO with hydrochloric acid to produce MgCl2:
Mg + O2 → MgO
MgO + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2O
Another method involves reacting Mg metal with hydrochloric acid to produce MgCl2 and hydrogen gas:
Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2
For the reaction with MgO, we mix MgO with hydrochloric acid to produce MgCl2 and water:
MgO + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2O
Mixing MgO with hydrochloric acid produces magnesium chloride and water in the reaction with MgO:
Mg(OH)2 + 2HCl → MgCl2 + 2H2O
In addition, we can obtain MgCl2 as a byproduct of the Solvay process, which produces sodium carbonate. The process results in the production of calcium chloride and MgCl2 as byproducts, which can be separated from the sodium carbonate solution.
Magnesium Chloride Uses
Magnesium chloride has a wide range of uses across various industries, including:
- De-icing agent: Used as a de-icing agent on roads and sidewalks during winter months due to its ability to lower the freezing point of water.
- Dust control: Used as a dust control agent on unpaved roads and construction sites.
- Food industry: Used as a coagulant in the production of tofu and as a source of magnesium in some food products.
- Medicine: Used in medicine as a supplement for magnesium deficiency and as a treatment for certain conditions, such as constipation and heartburn.
- Agriculture: Used as a fertilizer and soil amendment to improve the magnesium content of soil and plant growth.
- Water treatment: Used in water treatment processes to remove impurities and soften hard water.
- Industrial applications: Used in the production of textiles, paper, and cement, as well as in various industrial processes.
- Health and wellness: Used in various health and wellness practices, such as bathing, to promote relaxation and improve skin health.
Questions:
Q: What is the formula for magnesium chloride?
A: The formula for magnesium chloride is MgCl2.
Q: What is magnesium chloride?
A: MgCl2 is an inorganic compound that is commonly used in various industries and applications, including as a de-icing agent, dust control agent, and food additive.
Q: Is magnesium chloride soluble?
A: Yes, MgCl2 is soluble in water and other polar solvents.
Q: Is magnesium chloride ionic or covalent?
A: MgCl2 is an ionic compound, consisting of a cation (Mg2+) and an anion (Cl-).
Q: What is MgCl2?
A: MgCl2 is the chemical formula for magnesium chloride, which is an inorganic compound used in various industrial and consumer applications.
Q: What is the net ionic equation of the reaction of MgCl2 with NaOH?
A: The net ionic equation for the reaction of MgCl2 with NaOH is Mg2+ (aq) + 2OH- (aq) → Mg(OH)2 (s).