Magnesium sulphate (sulfate) or MgSo4 is a chemical compound consisting of magnesium, sulphur, and oxygen. It is commonly used in medicine as a laxative, anticonvulsant, and to treat magnesium deficiency.
| IUPAC Name | Magnesium sulfate |
| Molecular Formula | MgSO4 |
| CAS number | 7487-88-9 |
| Synonyms | Epsom salt; English salt; Bitter salt; Bath salt; Sel de Epsom; Sal anglicum; Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Mg.H2O4S/c;1-5(2,3)4/h;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q+2;/p-2 |
Magnesium sulfate formula
The chemical formula for magnesium sulfate is MgSO4. This formula indicates that magnesium sulfate is composed of one magnesium cation (Mg2+) and one sulfate anion (SO42-). The formula of magnesium sulfate is important in chemical calculations as it helps to determine the amount of a substance required in a chemical reaction.
MgSO4 molar mass
The molar mass of magnesium sulfate is 120.366 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding the atomic masses of one magnesium atom (24.305 g/mol), one sulfur atom (32.066 g/mol), and four oxygen atoms (15.999 g/mol each) together. Molar mass is an important parameter in chemical calculations as it helps to determine the amount of a substance required in a chemical reaction.
Magnesium sulfate boiling point
The boiling point of magnesium sulfate depends on the state of the compound. Magnesium sulfate exists in two forms anhydrous and heptahydrate. The anhydrous form has a higher boiling point of 1,124 °C (2,055 °F), while the heptahydrate form has a lower boiling point of 150 °C (302 °F). The boiling point of magnesium sulfate can be affected by factors such as pressure and impurities.
Magnesium sulfate melting point
The melting point of magnesium sulfate also depends on the state of the compound. The anhydrous form has a higher melting point of 1,124 °C (2,055 °F), while the heptahydrate form has a lower melting point of 150 °C (302 °F). The melting point of magnesium sulfate can also be affected by factors such as pressure and impurities.
Magnesium sulfate density g/ml
The density of magnesium sulfate varies depending on the state of the compound. The anhydrous form has a density of 2.66 g/cm³, while the heptahydrate form has a density of 1.68 g/cm³. Density is a physical property of a substance that indicates the amount of mass per unit volume. The density of magnesium sulfate can be used to calculate the volume of a substance required in a chemical reaction.
Magnesium sulfate molecular weight
The molecular weight of magnesium sulfate is 120.366 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding the atomic masses of one magnesium atom (24.305 g/mol), one sulfur atom (32.066 g/mol), and four oxygen atoms (15.999 g/mol each) together. Molecular weight is an important parameter in chemical calculations as it helps to determine the amount of a substance required in a chemical reaction.
Magnesium sulfate Structure
Magnesium sulfate has a crystalline structure. The anhydrous form has a rhombohedral crystal structure, while the heptahydrate form has a monoclinic crystal structure. The crystal structure of magnesium sulfate is composed of magnesium cations and sulfate anions. The anhydrous form has one magnesium cation and one sulfate anion per unit cell, while the heptahydrate form has one magnesium cation and two sulfate anions per unit cell.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.66 (anhydrous) 1.68 (heptahydrate) |
| Color | Colorless to white |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 120.366 g/mol |
| Density | 2.66 g/cm³ (anhydrous) 1.68 g/cm³ (heptahydrate) |
| Melting Point | 1,124 °C (anhydrous) 150 °C (heptahydrate) |
| Boiling Point | 1,124 °C (anhydrous) 150 °C (heptahydrate) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | 71.6 g/100 mL (20 °C) |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and ethanol |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| PKa | 9.99 |
| pH | 6.0 – 8.0 (5% solution) |
Magnesium Sulphate Safety and Hazards
Magnesium sulphate is generally considered safe when handled properly. However, it can pose certain hazards if not handled with care. Exposure to magnesium sulphate dust can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Ingestion or injection of large amounts of magnesium sulphate can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration. It is important to wear protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when handling magnesium sulphate to avoid skin and eye irritation. In case of ingestion or exposure, seek medical attention immediately. Magnesium sulphate should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and incompatible materials.
| Hazard Symbols | None |
| Safety Description | S22 – Do not breathe dust; S24/25 – Avoid contact with skin and eyes; S36 – Wear suitable protective clothing; S26 – In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice; S45 – In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label where possible) |
| UN Ids | UN3077 |
| HS Code | 28332100 |
| Hazard Class | 9 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | LD50 (oral, rat) > 3,000 mg/kg; LD50 (dermal, rat) > 2,000 mg/kg |
Magnesium Sulphate Synthesis Methods
Various methods exist for synthesizing magnesium sulphate (MgSO4).
One common method involves reacting magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide with sulphuric acid. The process entails adding magnesium oxide or hydroxide to the sulphuric acid while stirring until the mixture dissolves completely. Collect the magnesium MgSO4 crystals by evaporating the solution to remove excess water.
Another approach involves slowly adding magnesium carbonate to sulphuric acid while stirring until complete dissolution occurs. To yield magnesium MgSO4 crystals, filter the resulting solution to eliminate any impurities and evaporate it.
React magnesium with sulphuric acid and heat the mixture until the reaction is complete, then filter and evaporate the resulting solution to obtain the magnesium MgSO4 crystals.
You can also obtain magnesium MgSO4 by reacting magnesium chloride with sodium MgSO4. The process involves adding magnesium chloride to a solution of sodium MgSO4, stirring the resulting mixture, and heating it until magnesium MgSO4 crystals form.
Magnesium Sulphate Uses
Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) has numerous applications across various fields. Some of its uses include:
- Medical uses: Used as a treatment for eclampsia and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, as well as to prevent seizures in patients with severe asthma or hypomagnesemia. It serves as a cathartic and a laxative.
- Agriculture: Used as a fertilizer due to its high magnesium and sulfur content. Farmers use it to correct magnesium deficiencies in soil.
- Food and beverage industry: Used as a brewing salt in beer production to adjust the water chemistry and enhance flavor. The food industry uses it as a coagulant in tofu production.
- Industrial applications: Used as a drying agent and desiccant, as well as a fire retardant. Various industries use it in the manufacturing of textiles, paper, and chemicals.
- Personal care: People use magnesium sulfate in bath salts and foot soaks for its claimed health benefits, including reducing muscle pain and stiffness.
- Other uses: Used in the production of pigments, explosives, and in the purification of metals.
Questions:
Q: What is a base used in toothpaste?
A: The most common base used in toothpaste is usually either calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. These bases help to scrub the teeth and remove plaque.
Q: What is magnesium sulfate used for?
A: Magnesium sulfate has various uses, including as a treatment for eclampsia and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, a cathartic and a laxative, a fertilizer, a brewing salt, a fire retardant, and a drying agent. It is also used in the manufacturing of textiles, paper, and chemicals.
Q: Is magnesium sulfate soluble?
A: Magnesium sulfate is soluble in water and alcohol.
Q: Is magnesium sulfate soluble in water?
A: Yes, magnesium sulfate is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 25.5 g/100 mL at room temperature.
Q: What does magnesium sulfate do?
A: Magnesium sulfate has various uses and benefits depending on the specific application. Some of its uses include as a medical treatment, a fertilizer, a brewing salt, a fire retardant, and a drying agent. In medicine, magnesium sulfate can be used to prevent seizures, treat constipation, and reduce muscle pain and stiffness.