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Magnesium Carbonate

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Identification
Molecular formula
MgCO3
CAS number
546-93-0
IUPAC name
magnesium;carbonate
State
State

At room temperature, magnesium carbonate is a solid. It typically presents as a dry powder and is stable under standard conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
350.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
623.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
4 027.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
4 300.00
General information
Molecular weight
84.31g/mol
Molar mass
84.3140g/mol
Density
2.9580g/cm3
Appearence

Magnesium carbonate appears as a white solid in its anhydrous form and can also present as a white powder. It is often found in nature as a mineral called magnesite. The compound is poorly soluble in water but is known for its effervescent behavior when reacting with acids.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Magnesium Carbonate

Magnesium carbonate, with the chemical formula MgCO3, exhibits some fascinating characteristics in terms of solubility. Generally, magnesium carbonate is considered to have low solubility in water, which can be attributed to the following aspects:

  • Solubility Product Constant (Ksp): The Ksp value of magnesium carbonate is relatively low, indicating limited solubility. In pure water, the solubility is about 0.0010 g/100 mL.
  • Temperature Effects: The solubility of magnesium carbonate can slightly increase with temperature, yet it remains low compared to many other salts.
  • Acidic Conditions: An interesting note is that magnesium carbonate is more soluble in acidic solutions due to the reaction with hydrogen ions:

MgCO3 + 2H+ → Mg2+ + CO2 + H2O

This reaction highlights that magnesium carbonate can effectively dissolve in environments where acidity is present, making it more versatile in biological and geological systems. Conversely, in neutral to basic conditions, magnesium carbonate remains largely undissolved, affecting its availability for biological and agricultural applications.

In summary, *the solubility of magnesium carbonate is significantly influenced by the pH of the solution, making it a unique compound in various chemical contexts.*

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Magnesium Carbonate

Magnesium carbonate is a versatile compound with fascinating properties and a variety of applications. Here are some key facts that highlight its significance:

  • Natural Occurrence: Magnesium carbonate occurs naturally in several forms, such as the mineral dolomite and magnesite, making it a vital resource in geology and mineralogy.
  • Medicinal Uses: It has applications in medicine, often used as an antacid and dietary supplement to provide adequate magnesium levels in the body.
  • Industrial Importance: In industries, magnesium carbonate serves as a key ingredient in fireproofing agents, and it is also used in the production of glass and ceramics.
  • Sports and Performance: Athletes frequently use magnesium carbonate in the form of chalk to enhance grip during activities such as weightlifting and climbing, helping to improve performance.
  • Environmental Role: Magnesium carbonate can be utilized in water treatment processes, helping to reduce acidity and improve water quality.
  • Carbon Capture: The compound has gained attention in recent years for its potential role in carbon capture technologies, where it can assist in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

In summary, magnesium carbonate is not just a simple compound; it plays multifaceted roles in various fields, from healthcare to environmental science. Its versatility continues to make it an essential subject of study and application.

Synonyms
MAGNESIUM CARBONATE
Magnesium carbonate anhydrous
Magmaster
Carbonate magnesium
Caswell No. 530
Stan-mag magnesium carbonate
Magnesium carbonate (MgCO3)
DCI light magnesium carbonate
HSDB 211
Magnesiumkarbonat
Magnesium(II) carbonate (1:1)
EINECS 208-915-9
NSC 83511
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 073503
CI 77713
MgCO3
UNII-0IHC698356
CHEBI:31793
AI3-00768
Light magnesium carbonate
Magnesium (as carbonate)
Magnesium Carbonate Light
EC 208-915-9
208-915-9
HEAVY MAGNESIUM CARBONATE
Magnesio carbonato
Magnesium carbonicum 6
Humco Dewees Carminative
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 073503
ccris 6856
hydrated normal magnesium carbonate (mart.)
magnesia carbonica
magnesium carbonate (1:1) hydrate
magnesium carbonate (ii)
magnesium carbonate (mart.)
magnesium carbonate (usp impurity)
magnesium carbonate (usp monograph)
magnesium carbonate (usp-rs)
magnesium carbonate component of renacidin
magnesium carbonate monohydrate
magnesium carbonate, heavy
magnesium carbonate, heavy (ep monograph)
magnesium carbonate, light
magnesium carbonate, light (ep monograph)
unii-0e53j927na
546-93-0
Magnesite
13717-00-5
Magnesite (Mg(CO3))
Magnesite dust
Carbonic acid, magnesium salt (1:1)
magnesium;carbonate
Hydromagnesite
Magnesium carbonate (1:1)
7757-69-9
C.I. 77713
Ins no.504(i)
MAGNESIUM CARBONATE, LIGHT AR
Anhydrous magnesium carbonate
Ins-504(i)
Magnesium carbonate gold star
E-504(i)
NSC-83511
0IHC698356
53678-75-4
Giobertite
Kimboshi
Apolda
Destab
Magfy
GP 20 (carbonate)
MA 70 (carbonate)
Gold Star (carbonate)
Magnesium carbonate [USAN]
Australian magnesite
Magnesium carbonate,light
Magnesium carbonate; Magnesium carbonate light; Hydrated basic magnesium carbonate
EINECS 231-817-2
MFCD00064632
Carbonic acid, magnesium salt (1:?)
Magnesium carbonate - heavy
Carbonic Acid Magnesium Salt
CHEMBL1200736
DTXSID4049660
Magnesium Carbonate Microparticles
CS-B1764
Magnesium, [carbonato(2-)-|EO]-
MAGNESIUM CARBONATE [WHO-DD]
AKOS015903527
Magnesium carbonate powder 1-5 micron
DB09481
FM32755
E504
DB-254188
DB-255103
ANHYDROUS MAGNESIUM CARBONATE [MART.]
NS00074347
Q407931
695808-81-2