Magnesium peroxide (MgO2) is a compound consisting of magnesium and oxygen. It is commonly used in agriculture as a slow-release source of oxygen and as a soil conditioner to improve plant growth.
| IUPAC Name | Magnesium Peroxide |
| Molecular Formula | MgO2 |
| CAS Number | 14452-57-4 |
| Synonyms | Magnesium dioxide, Magnesium;peroxide, Permag, Magics, Oxy-Gen, EINECS 215-217-9 |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Mg.2O2/h;2*1H/q+2;;/p-2 |
Magnesium Peroxide Properties
Magnesium Peroxide Formula
The chemical formula of magnesium peroxide is MgO2. This means that one molecule of magnesium peroxide contains one magnesium atom and two oxygen atoms. The formula is important because it identifies the type and number of atoms present in the compound, and helps in determining the stoichiometry of chemical reactions involving magnesium peroxide.
Magnesium Peroxide Molar Mass
MgO2 has a molar mass of 56.304 g/mol. This means that one mole of MgO2 contains 56.304 grams of the compound. The molar mass is an important property of MgO2 because it helps in determining the amount of substance needed in chemical reactions.
Magnesium Peroxide Boiling Point
MgO2 does not have a definite boiling point because it decomposes before it can boil. When heated, it breaks down into magnesium oxide and oxygen gas. This property of MgO2 makes it useful as a source of oxygen in various applications.
Magnesium Peroxide Melting Point
MgO2 has a melting point of 223 °C. This means that at temperatures above 700 °C, the solid compound will turn into a liquid. The melting point is an important property of MgO2 because it determines how the compound behaves when exposed to high temperatures.
Magnesium Peroxide Density g/mL
The density of MgO2 is 2.41 g/mL. This means that one milliliter of MgO2 weighs 2.41 grams. The density is an important property of MgO2 because it helps in determining the mass of a given volume of the compound.
Magnesium Peroxide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of MgO2 is 56.304 g/mol. This means that one molecule of MgO2 has a mass of 56.304 atomic mass units. The molecular weight is an important property of MgO2 because it helps in determining the amount of substance needed in chemical reactions.
Magnesium Peroxide Structure
MgO2 has a crystal structure with magnesium ions occupying the octahedral sites in the lattice structure, and oxygen ions occupying the tetrahedral sites. This crystal structure is important because it determines the physical and chemical properties of MgO2.
| Property | Value |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Specific Gravity | 3.15 g/cm³ |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 56.304 g/mol |
| Density | 2.41 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 223 °C |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in acids |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Not applicable |
Magnesium Peroxide Safety and Hazards
MgO2 is generally considered safe when handled and used properly. However, it can be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Ingestion of large amounts can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to avoid inhaling the powder and to wear protective clothing and equipment when handling it. MgO2 is not flammable or explosive, but it can react with certain chemicals such as acids and strong oxidizers. Proper storage and handling are necessary to prevent accidental reactions. In case of exposure or ingestion, seek medical attention immediately.
| Hazard Symbols | O, Xi |
| Safety Description | Magnesium peroxide can cause skin and eye irritation and may cause respiratory irritation if inhaled. It may be harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin and can cause serious damage to the eyes. It is also a fire hazard if exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. |
| UN IDs | UN1479 |
| HS Code | 282910 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Magnesium peroxide can cause skin and eye irritation and may cause respiratory irritation if inhaled. It may be harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin, and can cause serious damage to the eyes. It is also a fire hazard if exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. |
Magnesium Peroxide Synthesis Methods
There are several methods to synthesize MgO2, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
One method involves the reaction between MgO and hydrogen peroxide. In this method, you mix MgO with a small amount of water to form a paste, and then you add hydrogen peroxide while stirring the mixture. The resulting product is MgO2 and water.
Another method involves the reaction between Mg(OH)2 and hydrogen peroxide. The chemist dissolves Mg(OH)2 in water to form a solution and then stirs the mixture while slowly adding hydrogen peroxide. The resulting product is MgO2 and water.
A third method involves the direct reaction between magnesium metal and oxygen gas at high temperatures. This method requires specialized equipment and is not as commonly used as the other methods.
Magnesium Peroxide Uses
MgO2 has a variety of uses in various industries, including:
- Environmental applications – Used as an oxygen-releasing compound in soil and groundwater remediation to break down pollutants.
- Agriculture – Used as a fertilizer and soil conditioner due to its slow-release oxygen properties that enhance plant growth.
- Medical – Used in some toothpaste formulations as a whitening and oxygenating agent for oral health.
- Chemical manufacturing – Used in the production of specialty chemicals such as epoxides, peracids, and peresters.
- Food processing – Used as a bleaching agent in flour and other food products.
- Textile industry – Used as a bleaching agent in the production of textiles.
- Water treatment – Used to purify water by releasing oxygen and breaking down organic compounds.
Questions:
Q: What is magnesium peroxide used for?
A: MgO2 finds use in various industries, such as environmental applications, agriculture, medical, chemical manufacturing, food processing, textile industry, and water treatment.
Q: What are the products when you mix hydrogen peroxide and magnesium sulfate?
A: When H2O2 and magnesium sulfate are mixed, the products formed are MgO2, water, and oxygen gas.
Q: Is magnesium peroxide used in labs?
A: Yes, MgO2 is used in labs for various purposes such as chemical reactions, water treatment, and environmental remediation.
Q: Does magnesium break down hydrogen peroxide?
A: Magnesium does not break down H2O2 by itself. However, magnesium can react with H2O2 in the presence of a catalyst, such as potassium iodide, to release oxygen gas.
Q: Which of the following is not a correct formula unit? k2o mgo2 al2o3 sro
A: Mgo2 is not a correct formula unit. The correct formula unit for magnesium oxide is MgO.
Q: What is the product(s) in this combination reaction? mgo + co2 mgo3 + c mgco3 mgo2 mgo + o2 co2 + o2
A: The product formed in the combination reaction of mgo and co2 is mgco3.
Q: Mgo2 liquid, gas, or solid?
A: Mgo2 is a solid compound.