Magnesium phosphate generally refers to a series of compounds, the most common of those being

magnesium phosphate monobasic

magnesium phosphate dibasic

and magnesium phosphate tribasic

Physical properties

1. Magnesium Phosphate Monobasic 

Molecular Weight: Around 120.37 g/mol

Appearance: White crystalline solid

Solubility: It is soluble in water

2. Magnesium Phosphate Dibasic 

Molecular Weight: About 246.47 g/mol

Appearance: White to off-white powder

Solubility: Mildly soluble in water

3. Magnesium Phosphate Tribasic  

Molecular Weight: About 262.86 g/mol

Appearance: White powder

Solubility: Not soluble in water, soluble in acids

General Physical Properties

Melting Point: Varies by compound; generally between 1000°C and 1300°C for tribasics.

Density: Generally falls within the range of 2.0 to 3.0 g/cm3, depending on the exact compound.

pH: Generally alkaline in solution, with pH values depending on the type present and the concentration.

Chemical properties

Magnesium Phosphate Monobasic:  

Reaction with Acids:

It reacts with hydrochloric acid to give magnesium chloride and phosphoric acid.

On Heating:

It decomposes on heating with the formation of magnesium pyrophosphate, water, and phosphoric acid.

2. Magnesium Phosphate Dibasic  

Reaction with Acids:

It reacts with hydrochloric acid with the formation of magnesium chloride, phosphoric acid, and water.

Dehydration Reaction:

On heating, it loses water to form anhydrous magnesium phosphate

3. Magnesium Phosphate Tribasic  

Reaction with Acids:

On reaction with hydrochloric acid, magnesium chloride and phosphoric acid are formed.

Reaction with Bases:

Magnesium hydroxide and sodium phosphate are formed with sodium hydroxide.

Application

1. Agriculture

Fertilizer: Magnesium phosphate is a fertilizer used in providing magnesium and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients to be used by plants. It augments soil fertility and fosters healthy plant growth.

2. Pharmaceuticals

Dietary Supplements: Magnesium phosphate finds application in dietary supplements due to its function in providing magnesium, which is needed for many functions in the human body, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health.

Antacids: Some of the forms are used in over-the-counter antacid formulations to relieve the problem of indigestion and heartburn.

3. Food Industry

Food Additives: It is used as a food additive as E343 to assist in improving the nutritional status of food products. The compound may work as a stabilizer and assist in fortifying prepared foods.

4. Dental Applications

Dental Cements: Magnesium phosphate compounds are used in dental cements mainly due to its biocompatibility and property of bonding with dental tissues. The product possesses good mechanical properties and is utilized in the field of restorative dentistry.

5. Ceramics and Refractories

Preparation: Magnesium phosphate is used as raw material for fabricating ceramics and refractory materials due to its high thermal stability and ability to bear high temperature.

6. Biological Systems

Buffering Agents: They serve as a buffer agent in biological and biochemical applications so that the pH value of different systems can be maintained.

7. Building Materials

Additive for Cement: It is being used as an additive in some types of cement so that properties of concrete can be enhanced and durability can be prolonged.

8. Animal Feed

Nutrient Supplement: Magnesium phosphate is added in the animal feed so that adequate amount of magnesium and phosphorus can be furnished to animals, which would assist in better health and productivity of animals.

Conclusion

Magnesium phosphates have some applications in agriculture through healthcare, foodstuffs, and materials. It is because of these beneficial properties that it benefits many industries.

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