Formula

The chemical formula for magnesium chloride is 

Physical Properties

Appearance

Magnesium chloride usually appears as of a white, crystalline solid or colorless, hygroscopic crystals.

Molecular Weight

The molecular weight of magnesium chloride is around 95.21 g/mol.

Solubility

It is quite soluble in water, and upon dissolution, it shows transparency of solution. It is less soluble in organic solvents.

Melting Point

The melting point of magnesium chloride is about 714°C (1,317°F).

Boiling Point

The boiling point is around 1,412°C (2,574°F).

Density

The concentration of magnesium chloride is approximately 2.32 g/cm³.

Hygroscopicity

Magnesium chloride is hygroscopic. It absorbs moisture easily from the air.

Crystal Structure

It often appears in its hexahydrate form, which is predominantly the form where it is available as a hydrated compound.

Chemical properties

Reaction with Water

Magnesium chloride is soluble in water, it dissolves to give magnesium ions and chloride ions

Hydrolysis

Magnesium chloride is scarcely hydrolysable in aqueous solution, and in the presence of excess base, forms magnesium hydroxide

Reaction with Strong Bases

It reacts with strong bases like sodium hydroxide to form magnesium hydroxide along with sodium hypochlorite.

Complex Formation

Magnesium chloride can form complexes with many ligands. It affects its reactivity and solubility.

Thermal Stability

Magnesium chloride is thermally stable; however, it will decompose on heating to high temperatures, yielding magnesium oxide and chlorine gas

Reactions with Carbonates

Magnesium chloride, when reacted with carbonates, produces magnesium carbonate and carbon dioxide

Acidic Property

It behaves like a Lewis acid by accepting electron pairs in some reactions.

Application

De-icing Agent

It is generally used to melt ice on roads and pavements when snow begins falling because it has low freezing-point deposition properties of water.

Dust Control

The agent is sprayed on roads and on unpaved surfaces for controlling dust, hence air gets cleaner and fresher.

Chemical Industry

Used as a precursor in the manufacture of magnesium metal and other magnesium compounds.

Has been used in several chemical reactions and synthesis processes

Water Treatment

Applied in water softening and as a coagulant in wastewater treatment processes .

Food Industry

Used as a food additive (E511) due to its mineral content, and also to firm some food products.

Pharmaceuticals

Applied in some medicinal formulations, especially dietary supplements that contain magnesium.

Cement and Construction

Used as a setting accelerator for the cement and concrete industries where it promotes strength and durability.

Animal Feed

Used as a mineral supplement to feed animals to ensure that they get enough magnesium.

Fire Proofing

Magnesium chloride is used in fireproofing materials because it does not catch fire.

Cosmetics

Added to some cosmetic formulations for moisturizing and skin-soothing purposes.

Conclusion

Magnesium chloride is, indeed, versatile and useful in many applications-from de-icing and dust control to food processing and pharmaceuticals-but application is carefully managed in view of its reactivity and hygroscopic nature.

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