Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride, a combination of magnesium and chlorine ions, is an organic compound with the chemical formula MgCl2. Also known as Magnesium Dichloride and Magnesium (II) Chloride, it is found in natural reservoirs such as seawater and salt lakes.
Magnesium Chloride is in the form of a white crystalline solid and is soluble in water. Its
hygroscopic nature signifies its tendency to readily absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere. It exists in both anhydrous and hexahydrate forms.
Magnesium Chloride Anhydrous applications include catalyst, drying agent, wastewater treatment, and other industries.
Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate has the following industrial uses: dust control, magnesium metal, deicing agent, textile industry, construction industry, food industry, etc.
| Property | Magnesium Chloride Anhydrous | Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | MgCl₂ | MgCl₂·6H₂O |
| Molecular Weight | 95.211 g/mol | 203.30 g/mol |
| CAS No | 7786-30-3 | 7791-18-6 |
| Physical Form | Crystalline powder | Crystals, Flakes |
| Color | White | Colorless to white |
| Odor | Odorless | Odorless |
| Density | 2.32 g/cm³ | 1.569 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point (°C) | 714 °C | 117 °C |
| Boiling Point (°C) | 1412 °C | 1412 °C |
| Solubility in Water (g/100 mL at 20°C) | 542 g/L | 1670 g/L |
| Hygroscopicity | Highly hygroscopic | Hygroscopic |
| Deliquescent Property | Very strong deliquescent property | Highly deliquescent |
Structure
Magnesium Chloride Anhydrous
Magnesium chloride is an ionic compound made up of the ions Mg²⁺ and Cl⁻, which are bound together by powerful electrostatic forces. The compound consists of monovalent negatively charged ions and divalent positively charged magnesium ions.
Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate
The inorganic salt magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl2.6H2O) has an octahedral configuration of six water molecules surrounding each magnesium ion. A crystal structure is then formed by the association of these [Mg (H2O)6]2+ complexes with two chloride ions. The magnesium-water octahedra are organized in sheets and joined by chloride ions.