Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO₄) – Detailed Properties 🔹...

Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO₄) – Detailed Properties 🔹 1. Basic Information Property Details Chemical Name Magnesium Sulphate Chemical Formula MgSO₄ IUPAC Name Magnesium sulfate Molar Mass 120.37 g/mol (anhydrous) 138.38 g/mol (monohydrate) 246.47 g/mol (heptahydrate) CAS Number 7487-88-9 (anhydrous), 10034-99-8 (heptahydrate) 🔹 2. Physical Properties Property Description Appearance White crystalline solid or powder Odor Odorless Taste Bitter, saline Density 2.66 g/cm³ (anhydrous) 1.68 g/cm³ (heptahydrate) Melting Point ~1, 124°C (anhydrous) Decomposes (hydrated forms lose water before melting) Solubility in Water Highly soluble (71 g/L at 20°C for heptahydrate) Solubility in Alcohol Slightly soluble Color White or colorless crystals Crystal System Orthorhombic (heptahydrate) 🔹 3. Chemical Properties Property Description pH of 5% Solution ~5.5 to 7.0 (near neutral) Thermal Decomposition Hydrates lose water at low temperature: - Heptahydrate → monohydrate → anhydrous - Decomposes to magnesium oxide (MgO) and sulfur oxides at high heat Stability Stable under normal storage conditions Reactivity Reacts with carbonates to form magnesium carbonate; compatible with most neutral salts Hygroscopicity Anhydrous form is hygroscopic; readily absorbs water to form hydrates 🔹 4. Hydrated Forms Form Formula Common Name Heptahydrate MgSO₄·7H₂O Epsom Salt Monohydrate MgSO₄·H₂O Used in industrial drying Anhydrous MgSO₄ Laboratory desiccant, fertilizer base 🔹 5. Applications & Uses Field Application Medicine / Healthcare - Used to treat magnesium deficiency (IV/IM) - Laxative and saline purgative - Anti-convulsant in eclampsia - Muscle relaxant in emergency care Agriculture - Soil additive for magnesium and sulfur - Used in fertilizers for crops like tomatoes, potatoes, citrus Personal Care / Cosmetics - Epsom salt baths (muscle relaxation) - Skin softener and exfoliant Chemical Industry - Catalyst support, pH stabilizer - Used in dyeing and printing fabrics Food Industry (E518) - Used as a firming agent and mineral supplement Laboratories - Anhydrous MgSO₄ used as a drying agent for organic solvents 🔹 Biological Role Aspect Description Essential Mineral Supplies Mg²⁺, critical for enzyme function, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction Human Use Treats low magnesium levels, preeclampsia, arrhythmia, asthma attacks (under supervision) Plant Use Improves chlorophyll production and growth; prevents yellowing (magnesium deficiency) 🔹 Environmental Impact Aspect Description Biodegradability Not applicable (inorganic salt) Toxicity Non-toxic to environment at normal concentrations Aquatic Life Safe at low levels; high concentrations may affect balance Soil Behavior Enhances plant growth; overuse can disrupt ion balance 🔹 Safety and Handling Aspect Description Toxicity Generally regarded as safe (GRAS); overdose can lead to magnesium poisoning (nausea, hypotension) Inhalation Dust may irritate eyes and respiratory tract Ingestion Safe in therapeutic doses; avoid large quantities without supervision Storage Store in cool, dry, sealed containers; protect from moisture (anhydrous form) ✅ Summary Table Property Heptahydrate (Epsom Salt) Anhydrous Appearance White crystals White powder Solubility High in water High in water Uses Medical, agricultural, bath salt Drying agent, industrial Safe Use Yes (with dosage limits) Yes