Magnesium Hydroxide

What is Magnesium Hydroxide?

Molecular Formula (Magnesium Hydroxide): Mg(OH)₂

Molecular Weight: 58.32 g/mol

Chemical Name: Magnesium Hydroxide

CAS Number: 1309-42-8

It is a chemical compound also called milk of magnesia. It also has antacid properties. Stomach pains occur as a result of high levels of acid secretion in the stomach.

These conditions are medically named ulcers, gastritis, and reflux. To alleviate these conditions, antacid compounds are used, as the name suggests.

Antacids are also alkaline compounds. Due to this property, they have a feature that increases bowel movements.

Other Names are as Follows;

• Milk of Magnesia
• Pharmaceutical Grade Magnesium
• 1309-42-8
• Laxative

How is Magnesium Hydroxide Produced?

The most commonly used method in its production must be suitable for industrial production and have low production costs.

The industrial production of this chemical compound can be carried out with the following 2 chemical reactions.

2MgCl₂ + 2NaOH 》Mg(OH)₂ + 2NaCl + Cl₂

In this reaction, Magnesium Chloride reacts with Sodium Hydroxide. At the end of the reaction, it is produced with different particle sizes. At the same time, salt formation and Chlorine gas occur.

MgSO₄ + 2NaOH 》Mg(OH)₂ + Na₂SO₄

In this 2nd reaction, Magnesium Sulfate reacts with Sodium Hydroxide. Chlorine gas is not formed. At the same time, Sodium Sulfate is produced.

One of the production methods is the production of high-purity Magnesium Oxide from Magnesium Chloride. The reaction at this stage is an acidification reaction. Then, through a hydration process, Mg(OH)2 with alkaline properties is produced.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

It is in the form of a white powder in physical appearance. It is odorless.

Its density is 2.36 g/cm³.

It has alkaline properties. Therefore, the pH is in the range of 9.50-10.50.

Melting Point is 350 °C.

Boiling Point: No information available.

It is a stable chemical.

In terms of solubility, it does not dissolve in ethyl alcohol and water. It dissolves in weak acids. It does not have good solubility in different alcohols.

What are the Usage Areas of Magnesium Hydroxide?

• In industry, polluting smoke comes out of flue gases. Sulfur is the most important pollutant as a flue gas. It is used to remove these chemical pollutants.
• It is an alkaline chemical used instead of liquid caustic and lime as a neutralizing chemical in the treatment of acidic wastewater and for the removal of heavy metals.
• It is used instead of Aluminum hydroxide as a flame retardant in the production of synthetic resins.
• Raw material in pharmaceutical grade form is used to neutralize stomach acid.
• It is used in the production of laxative medicines.
• It is used for smoke suppression in the manufacture of fire extinguishers.
• In the cosmetic sector, it is suitable for topical applications in the manufacture of some deodorants.
• It has an important role as a chemical reagent in the detection of ammonium salts.
• It is a chemical compound used as a flame retardant that delays the ignition of flames in the event of a fire in the manufacture of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, and unsaturated polyester resins after production.
• It is used in sugar factories during sugar production in the refining of sugar.

What are the Factors Affecting Prices?

The price of Magnesium Hydroxide is directly dependent on the prices of the chemicals used in the production of this chemical. As Magnesium Sulfate, Magnesium Chloride, and Liquid Caustic prices increase, the price of this chemical substance will increase.

Magnesium Hydroxide prices will increase with the expansion of its usage areas. Especially with the increase in use in the construction sector for fire prevention or fire retardation, prices have increased.

As the stocks of companies selling Magnesium Hydroxide increase, prices will decrease in the short term.