Magnesium hypochlorite (Mg(ClO)2) is a chemical compound consisting of magnesium, oxygen, and chlorine. It is used as a disinfectant, bleaching agent, and water treatment chemical.
| IUPAC name | Magnesium hypochlorite |
| Molecular formula | Mg(ClO)2 |
| CAS number | 10233-03-1 |
| Synonyms | Magnesium chlorate, hypochlorous acid magnesium salt, magnesium oxychloride, MagOCl |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Cl2O2.Mg/c1-3-2;/q-1;+2 |
Magnesium Hypochlorite Properties
Magnesium Hypochlorite Formula
Magnesium hypochlorite has a chemical formula of Mg(ClO)2, which means it contains one magnesium atom, two chlorine atoms, and two oxygen atoms per molecule. It is a white solid with a slight chlorine odor and is commonly used as a disinfectant and water treatment chemical.
Magnesium Hypochlorite Molar Mass
The molar mass of Mg(ClO)2 is 127.21 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding the atomic masses of each element in the chemical formula, which are magnesium (24.31 g/mol), chlorine (35.45 g/mol), and oxygen (15.99 g/mol) multiplied by their respective subscripts.
Magnesium Hypochlorite Boiling Point
Mg(ClO)2 does not have a defined boiling point as it decomposes before reaching its boiling point. When heated, Mg(ClO)2 releases oxygen gas, leaving behind magnesium chloride as a solid residue.
Magnesium Hypochlorite Melting Point
The melting point of Mg(ClO)2 is 100 °C. At this temperature, the solid crystals of Mg(ClO)2 turn into a liquid. However, due to its instability at high temperatures, it is recommended to handle it with care.
Magnesium Hypochlorite Density g/mL
The density of Mg(ClO)2 is 2.08 g/mL at room temperature. This means that one milliliter of Mg(ClO)2 has a mass of 2.08 grams.
Magnesium Hypochlorite Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of Mg(ClO)2 is 127.21 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the elements in the compound, which are magnesium, chlorine, and oxygen.
Magnesium Hypochlorite Structure
Mg(ClO)2 has a crystalline structure with a monoclinic crystal system. It consists of Mg+2 cations and ClO- anions, which are held together by ionic bonds. The ClO- anions are in a distorted tetrahedral arrangement around the Mg+2 cations.
Magnesium Hypochlorite Solubility
Mg(ClO)2 is slightly soluble in water, with a solubility of 14.6 g/100 mL at 20 °C. It forms a slightly basic solution in water due to the hydrolysis of hypochlorite ions. However, it is not recommended to dissolve Mg(ClO)2 in water as it can produce chlorine gas, which is toxic and can be harmful to human health.
| Appearance | White solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.08 g/mL at 20 °C |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Slightly chlorine-like |
| Molar Mass | 127.21 g/mol |
| Density | 2.08 g/mL at 20 °C |
| Melting Point | 100 °C |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before reaching boiling point |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Slightly soluble (14.6 g/100 mL at 20 °C) |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water, soluble in acids |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Slightly basic in solution |
Magnesium Hypochlorite Safety and Hazards
Mg(ClO)2 can be hazardous if not handled properly. It is a strong oxidizing agent and can react violently with certain chemicals. Contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes can cause irritation and burns. Inhaling the dust or mist can cause respiratory problems. It is also important to avoid mixing Mg(ClO)2 with acids or other chlorine-containing compounds as it can produce toxic chlorine gas. It is recommended to wear protective equipment such as gloves and goggles when handling Mg(ClO)2 and to store it in a cool, dry place away from incompatible chemicals.
| Hazard Symbols | Oxidizing Agent, Harmful |
| Safety Description | Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Do not breathe dust or mist. Wear protective gloves and goggles. |
| UN IDs | UN 1748 |
| HS Code | 2828.10.10 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 (Oxidizing Agent), 6.1 (Toxic) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | LD50 (oral, rat) – 290 mg/kg; LC50 (inhalation, rat) – 2.07 mg/L/4h; Skin irritation – Mild; Eye irritation – Severe |
Magnesium Hypochlorite Synthesis Methods
To synthesize Mg(ClO)2, the most commonly used method is to react with magnesium oxide with chlorine gas.
In one method, to produce Mg(ClO)2, one must mix magnesium oxide with chlorine gas in the presence of water. Careful control is necessary during the exothermic reaction to avoid the formation of undesirable byproducts.
Another method involves the reaction between magnesium hydroxide and hypochlorous acid. To maintain the pH level, the reaction usually takes place in a sodium hydroxide solution. One can separate the resulting solution of Mg(ClO)2 by filtration and subsequently dry it after the reaction.
A third method involves the reaction between magnesium carbonate and hypochlorous acid. This reaction produces Mg(ClO)2 and carbon dioxide. To prevent the formation of unwanted byproducts, it is necessary to carefully monitor the reaction.
Regardless of the synthesis method used, it is important to handle Mg(ClO)2 with care due to its oxidizing properties and potential hazards.
Magnesium Hypochlorite Uses
Mg(ClO)2 has several practical applications due to its oxidizing properties and ability to release chlorine gas. Here are some common uses of Mg(ClO)2:
- Water Treatment: Commonly used as a disinfectant in water treatment plants to kill harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Bleaching Agent: Used as a bleaching agent for textiles, paper, and other materials.
- Swimming Pools: Used as a sanitizing agent in swimming pools to maintain proper water chemistry.
- Odor Control: Used to control unpleasant odors in waste treatment plants and sewage systems.
- Oxidizing Agent: Used as an oxidizing agent in the production of various chemicals, such as epoxides and ketones.
- Agriculture: Used in agriculture as a disinfectant and pesticide to control fungal and bacterial diseases.
- Sanitation: Also used as a disinfectant for surfaces and equipment in hospitals, food processing plants, and other facilities.
Questions:
Q: What is the formula of magnesium hypochlorite?
A: The formula of magnesium hypochlorite is Mg(ClO)2.
Q: What is the pH level of magnesium hypochlorite?
A: The pH level of Mg(ClO)2 depends on its concentration and can vary. However, a solution of Mg(ClO)2 typically has a pH level between 8 and 10.
Q: What is the molecular formula for magnesium hypochlorite?
A: The molecular formula for magnesium hypochlorite is Mg(ClO)2.
Q: What is the name of Mg(ClO)2?
A: The name of Mg(ClO)2 is magnesium hypochlorite.
Q: Is Mg(ClO)2 an acid or base?
A: Mg(ClO)2 is a basic salt and can act as a weak base in aqueous solutions.
Q: Is Mg(ClO)2 a salt?
A: Yes, Mg(ClO)2 is salt. It is a white crystalline compound that is highly soluble in water and contains both a metal (magnesium) and a non-metal (chlorine).