Magnesium oxide (MgO) is a white powdery solid that is used as a construction material and dietary supplement. It is also used as an antacid due to its basic (alkaline) properties.
| IUPAC Name | Magnesium oxide |
| Molecular Formula | MgO |
| CAS number | 1309-48-4 |
| Synonyms | Magnesia, Magnesite, Periclase |
| InChI | InChI=1S/MgO/c1-2 |
Magnesium Oxide Formula
The chemical formula for magnesium oxide is MgO. It represents one magnesium ion (Mg2+) and one oxygen ion (O2-). The formula indicates the ratio of elements present in the compound and is used to write balanced chemical equations for reactions involving magnesium oxide.
Magnesium Oxide Molar Mass
The molar mass of magnesium oxide is 40.304 g/mol. It is calculated by adding the atomic masses of each element present in the compound. The atomic mass of magnesium is 24.305 g/mol, while that of oxygen is 16.000 g/mol. The molar mass is important in determining the amount of substance present in a given sample of magnesium oxide.
Magnesium Oxide Boiling Point
The boiling point of magnesium oxide is 2852 °C. At this temperature, the vapor pressure of the solid becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure, and it starts to boil. The high boiling point of magnesium oxide is due to its ionic nature, which requires a large amount of energy to separate the ions in the lattice structure.
Magnesium Oxide Melting Point
The melting point of magnesium oxide is 2800 °C. At this temperature, the solid changes its state to a liquid. The high melting point of magnesium oxide is also due to its ionic nature and the strong bonds between the ions in the lattice structure.
Magnesium Oxide Density g/mL
The density of magnesium oxide is 3.58 g/mL. This value can be used to determine the amount of space occupied by a given mass of magnesium oxide. It is a characteristic property of the compound and is useful in various applications.
Magnesium Oxide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of magnesium oxide is 40.304 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of each element present in the compound. The molecular weight is important in determining the amount of substance present in a given sample of magnesium oxide.
Magnesium Oxide Structure
Magnesium oxide has a crystal lattice structure, in which the magnesium ions are surrounded by oxygen ions. The magnesium and oxygen ions are held together by strong ionic bonds, which contribute to the high melting and boiling points of the compound. The crystal structure is an important factor in determining the properties of magnesium oxide, such as its density and thermal conductivity.
| Appearance | White powdery solid |
| Specific Gravity | 3.58 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 40.304 g/mol |
| Density | 3.58 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 2800 °C |
| Boiling Point | 2852 °C |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in acid |
| Vapor Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Alkaline (basic) |
Magnesium Oxide Safety and Hazards
Magnesium oxide is generally considered safe for human consumption in recommended doses and is used as a dietary supplement and antacid. However, inhaling high concentrations of magnesium oxide dust may cause respiratory irritation and long-term exposure may lead to lung damage. Ingesting large amounts of magnesium oxide may cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. It is important to store magnesium oxide in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of dust. Avoid skin and eye contact with magnesium oxide as it may cause irritation. As with all chemicals, it is important to follow proper handling and safety procedures when working with magnesium oxide to minimize the risk of injury.
| Hazard Symbols | N/A |
| Safety Description | S26-S36/37/39 |
| UN IDs | UN3077, Environmental hazard substances, solid, n.o.s. (magnesium oxide) |
| HS Code | 2825.90.90 |
| Hazard Class | 9 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity if ingested in recommended doses, may cause respiratory irritation if inhaled in high concentrations |
Magnesium Oxide Synthesis Methods
Magnesium oxide (MgO) can be synthesized through several methods, including thermal decomposition, precipitation, and sol-gel processes.
Thermal decomposition, also known as calcination, involves heating magnesium carbonate or hydroxide to high temperatures to produce MgO. This method is commonly used in the production of refractory materials, as well as in the synthesis of high-purity MgO for use in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Precipitation is another method for synthesizing MgO. This method involves the reaction of magnesium salts, such as magnesium chloride or sulfate, with an alkaline solution, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, to form MgO. The precipitated MgO can then be filtered, washed, and dried to obtain a pure product.
Sol-gel processes involve the hydrolysis and condensation of magnesium precursors, such as magnesium alkoxides, to form MgO. This method offers the advantage of producing MgO with a uniform particle size and a well-defined crystalline structure, making it useful for applications in the catalysts, ceramics, and electronics industries.
Overall, the synthesis method of MgO will depend on the desired purity, particle size, and crystal structure, as well as the intended application of the MgO product. Regardless of the synthesis method, it is important to carefully control the reaction conditions to avoid the formation of impurities and to obtain a high-quality MgO product.
Magnesium Oxide Uses
Magnesium oxide (magnesium oxide) has a wide range of applications due to its chemical stability, high thermal conductivity, and electrical insulating properties. Some of the most common uses of magnesium oxide include:
- Magnesium oxide (MgO) boasts a wide range of uses due to its chemical stability, high thermal conductivity, and electrical insulating properties.
- Building and construction industries use MgO as a fire-resistant material and in the production of refractory materials.
- The pharmaceutical industry utilizes MgO as a dietary supplement and antacid for neutralizing stomach acid.
- MgO serves as a source of magnesium in the production of other magnesium compounds, such as magnesium hydroxide and magnesium carbonate.
- The chemical industry employs MgO as a catalyst in various reactions, including the production of synthetic rubber, plastics, and resins.
- Agricultural industries use MgO as a soil amendment for improving soil fertility and providing essential magnesium for plant growth.
- MgO’s ability to adsorb heavy metals and toxic substances makes it useful for environmental remediation.
- The ceramics industry uses MgO as a raw material in the production of ceramics, electrical insulators, refractory materials, and high-temperature insulation.
- The electronics industry utilizes MgO in the production of electronic devices such as capacitors and transistors because of its high dielectric constant and low loss tangent.
Overall, magnesium oxide is a versatile material that has many applications due to its unique combination of chemical and physical properties.
Questions:
Which best describes a compound such as magnesium oxide?
Magnesium oxide (MgO) forms as an ionic compound.
Metal magnesium donates electrons to non-metal oxygen, creating positively charged magnesium ions (Mg2+) and negatively charged oxide ions (O2-). These ions bond ionically through strong electrostatic attraction, resulting in a solid crystal structure.
Ionic compounds feature high melting and boiling points, solidity at room temperature, good electrical conductivity in melted or dissolved states, and insolubility in most solvents. These characteristics differentiate ionic compounds from molecular compounds, which form through covalent bonding and exhibit lower melting and boiling points, poor electrical conductivity, and solubility in many solvents.
Which ionic compound is used as a building material? salt limestone magnesium oxide iron oxide
Salt limestone is not an ionic compound, but magnesium oxide and iron oxide are.
Magnesium oxide (MgO) and iron oxide are used as building materials. MgO forms fireproof walls and partitions and serves as a component in refractory materials for high-temperature applications. Iron oxide, also known as hematite, gives bricks, concrete, and ceramics a reddish-brown color as a pigment. Hematite also acts as a catalyst in chemical reactions and serves as a magnetic material in various technologies.