How to Learn about Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium chloride is a chemical compound that contains magnesium and chlorine. The term “magnesium chloride” is also the common name for a class of specific compounds closely related to magnesium chloride. It has many uses in industry, especially as a de-icing agent. Magnesium chloride also has applications as a food additive.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Study the molecular structure of magnesium chloride. Magnesium chloride consists of a magnesium atom bonded to two chlorine atoms, and has the molecular formula MgCl2. The magnesium atom has a positive charge and the chlorine atoms have a negative charge. This causes magnesium chloride molecules to orient themselves into highly structured crystals.
-
2
Identify hydrates of magnesium chloride. Magnesium chloride is very hygroscopic, meaning that it attracts water easily. It commonly has one or more water molecules loosely bound to it in compounds called hydrates of magnesium chloride. Chemists informally refer to these compounds as magnesium chloride.
-
-
3
Observe the physical properties of magnesium chloride. Magnesium chloride is solid at room temperature and typically appears as a white crystalline powder. It is highly soluble in water, and 100 ml of water will dissolve 54 g of magnesium chloride at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The density of magnesium chloride is 2.32 g per cubic centimeter, compared to 1g per cubic centimeter for water. Magnesium chloride melts at 1,317 degrees Fahrenheit and boils at 2,574 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
4
Survey the production methods of magnesium chloride. The most economical method of obtaining magnesium chloride as of 2010 is to extract it from seawater. This essentially consists of evaporating seawater to obtain the solid materials and separating magnesium chloride from other salts through chemical means. Manufacturers also use solution mining of bischofite to obtain magnesium chloride in commercial quantities.
-
5
Look at the practical applications for magnesium chloride. The most common industrial use of magnesium chloride is in de-icing roads. It lowers the melting temperature of water like rock salt, but is less harsh on the environment. Magnesium chloride is also essential in the manufacture of many paper and textile products. Magnesium chloride is a bio-available form of magnesium, meaning that humans can easily obtain magnesium from magnesium chloride for nutritional purposes.
-
1
