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Magnesium chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
MgCl2
CAS number
7786-30-3
IUPAC name
magnesium;dichloride
State
State

At room temperature, magnesium chloride is typically found in a solid state. It can also form hydrates, which are solid compounds containing water molecules.

Melting point (Celsius)
714.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
987.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 412.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 685.15
General information
Molecular weight
95.21g/mol
Molar mass
95.2110g/mol
Density
2.3200g/cm3
Appearence

Magnesium chloride appears as a white or colorless crystalline solid. It is highly soluble in water and tends to absorb moisture from the air.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Magnesium Dichloride

Magnesium dichloride, with the chemical formula MgCl2, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are important in various applications.

Solubility in Water

One of the notable aspects of MgCl2 is its high solubility in water. In fact, it is known to dissolve readily, forming a clear solution. Here are some details:

  • The solubility of magnesium dichloride in water at room temperature is approximately 54 grams per 100 mL.
  • This high solubility is attributed to the ionic nature of the compound, which allows it to dissociate into its constituent ions in solution:
    • Mg2+ (magnesium ions)
    • Cl- (chloride ions)

Factors Affecting Solubility

The solubility of MgCl2 can be influenced by several factors:

  • Temperature: Increased temperature typically enhances solubility.
  • Presence of other ions: The presence of competing ions can affect the solubility in complex ways.
  • pH of the solution: The acidity or basicity of the solution may also impact the solubility, though MgCl2 itself is generally stable across a range of pH levels.

Usefulness in Different Applications

The solubility of MgCl2 makes it particularly useful in:

  • De-icing roads and sidewalks
  • As a source of magnesium in nutritional supplements
  • In various industrial processes that require magnesium ions in solution

In conclusion, the solubility of magnesium dichloride in water and its ability to form a stable solution plays a significant role in its applications, rendering it an essential compound in both domestic and industrial contexts.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Magnesium Dichloride

Magnesium dichloride, often represented as MgCl2, is a fascinating compound with various applications and unique properties that pique the interest of chemists and students alike.

Applications

  • Food Industry: Magnesium dichloride is used as a firming agent in certain types of tofu and also as a food additive for its nutritional benefits.
  • Deicing Agent: Due to its ability to lower the freezing point of water, it is often utilized during winter months to deice roads and highways.
  • Health Supplement: As a source of magnesium, it is available in supplement form to promote overall health, supporting muscle and nerve function.
  • Industrial Applications: This compound is frequently used in the production of magnesium metal and various magnesium compounds.

Properties

Some properties of magnesium dichloride make it unique:

  • It readily dissolves in water, providing an important source of magnesium ions in various chemical reactions.
  • It can exist in anhydrous or hydrated forms, which is essential for different commercial applications.

Environmental Impact

With a growing focus on sustainability, magnesium dichloride plays a role in environmental applications:

  • Green Chemistry: Its use in biodegradable materials and as a catalyst in several reactions demonstrates its importance in developing eco-friendly processes.
  • Soil Amendment: The compound contributes to nutrient availability in soil, aiding agricultural practices.

Conclusion

Magnesium dichloride is not just a simple ionic compound; its broad range of applications and significant health benefits make it a vital subject of study. As emphasized by chemists, understanding compounds like MgCl2 can lead to advancements in both industrial practices and health sciences.


Synonyms
DUS-top
magnesium;dichloride
Magnesium chloride (MgCl2)
Magnesium chloride, ultra dry
Ekimac
Catalyst G
Lys, TMS
Mg Cl2
Magnesium chloride, CP
WLN: MG G2
HY-Y1110H
HY-Y1110I
PDSP1_000366
PDSP2_000364
AKOS015902554
Magnesium chloride, anhydrous, >=98%
Magnesium chloride, powder, <200 mum
BP-11367
Magnesium chloride, for insect cell culture, 97%
Magnesium chloride, ultra dry, ampouled under argon
Z1217910370
Magnesium chloride anhydrous, suitable for insect cell culture
Magnesium chloride, anhydrous, beads, -10 mesh, 99.9% trace metals basis
Magnesium chloride, anhydrous, beads, -10 mesh, 99.99% trace metals basis
Magnesium chloride, BioReagent, suitable for insect cell culture, >=97.0%