Magnesium oxide is often also called magnesia or a magnesium oxide.This material is lightweight and fine crystalline white powder.The magnesium oxide occurs naturally as the mineral periclase.In the food industry the substance is known as a food additive under code E530.
properties of magnesium oxide
chemical formula of the substance: MgO.This compound has almost no odor in the ammonia and the acid dissolves well in water, its solubility at 30 ° C is only 0.0086 grams / 100 ml, and ethanol and it was not dissolved.The molar mass of MgO - 40,3044 g / mol.At 20 ° C and its density is 3.58 g / cm³, boiling temperature - 3600 ° C, melting point - 2852 ° C.Fine crystalline magnesium oxide is chemically quite active.He is able to absorb carbon dioxide to form the corresponding carbonate:
- MgO + CO2 = MgCO3;
though slowly, but still it reacts with water, forming a weak base insoluble:
- H2O + MgO = Mg (OH) 2;
reacts with acids:
- 2HCl + MgO = MgCl2 + H2O
calcined magnesium oxide loses its reactivity.You should also add that this powder gigroskopechen.
Preparation of magnesium oxide
In the industry, this compound is mainly produced by burning.The raw materials used minerals such as dolomite (MgCO3.CaCO3) and magnesite (MgCO3).In addition, magnesia is carried out using a calcination bishofita (MgCl2 x 6H2O) in water vapor, calcining Mg (OH) 2 and other labile compounds Mg temperature.Under laboratory conditions, MgO can be prepared by the reaction of its constituent components:
- 2Mg + O2 = 2MgO;
or by thermal decomposition of certain salts or hydroxide:
- MgCO3 = MgO + CO2.
Depending on the method for producing magnesium oxide decided to allocate two basic types of connections: light and heavy magnesium.The first is a colorless powder, which is quite readily undergoes reaction with various dilute acids, resulting in formation of Mg salts.The second consists of large crystals of natural or synthetic periclase and different water resistance and is more inert.
Application of magnesium oxide
In the industry, this compound is used for the manufacture of cement, refractories, as a filler in rubber and clean petroleum products.Ultralight magnesium oxide is used as a very fine abrasive that cleans the surface.In particular, it is used in the electronics industry.In addition, the magnesia is widely used in medicine.There MgO used in violation of the acidity of gastric juice, which occurs due to an excess of hydrochloric acid.Magnesium oxide also take to neutralize the active substances, accidentally caught in the stomach.In the food industry MgO is used as a food additive (code E530), which prevents clumping and caking.Magnesia is also used in gymnastics.Here, the powder is applied to the hands of the athletes to contact with exercise equipment was more reliable.It adds that the magnesium oxide is an absolute reflector.The reflection coefficient of the substance in the extended spectral band is equal to unity and therefore it may well be used as a reference white color.
