Magnesium oxide . Hydroscopic white solid looking mineral chemical compound. Historically known as magnesia alba. Its molecular formula is MgO .
Summary
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- 1 Physical and chemical properties
- 2 Obtaining and production
- 3 Applications
- 1 Cement
- 2 Agriculture
- 3 Desiccant
- 4 Medicine
- 4 See also
- 5 Sources
Physical and chemical properties
Among the physical properties are melting point at 2852 ° C , boiling point at 3600 ° C, density of 3,580 g / cm 3 and a molar mass of 40,3044 g / mol .
As for the behavior in water , it reacts and the treatment with it produces Magnesium Hydroxide , MgO + H 2 = Mg (OH) 2 , but it can be reversed by heating to separate the humidity.
Obtaining and production
Magnesium oxide is produced spontaneously from metallic magnesium in contact with oxygen in the air, although it is quickly passivated at room temperature 2 Mg + O 2 = MgO
Magnesium oxide is produced by calcination of Magnesium Carbonate or Magnesium Hydroxide
MgCO 3 = MgO + CO 2 at Temp 830 K
Mg (OH) 2 = MgO + H 2O (in the presence of Heat)
Applications
The main application is as refractory material . Considering that it is physically and chemically stable at high temperatures,
Cement
MgO is one of the quality parameters in the manufacture of Portland cement in dry process plants. The chemical composition of cements is always given in the form of oxides.
farming
The magnesium content of a fertilizer is given as MgO. To go from Mg to MgO, you just have to multiply the Mg concentration by the conversion factor 1.658.
Desiccant
MgO is a relatively poor desiccant, but because it neutralizes the sulfur oxide acids that are generated in the Kraft process , it is used in many libraries to preserve books.
Medicine
In medicine, magnesium oxide in aqueous suspension ( milk of magnesia ) is used for acid relief as an antacid , and as a short-term laxative . It is also used to improve the symptoms of indigestion . Magnesium oxide side effects may include nausea and cramps
