MAGNESIUM OXIDE

~ also known as Magnesia; Oxomagnesium;1309-48-4; Periclase; Seawater magne; etc. is a white hygroscopic solid mineral, which naturally occurs as the mineral periclase, and it is a source of magnesium. The global magnesium oxide market was US$ 5,505 Mn at the end of 2016 and is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2016 and 2026.

Chemical structure: It has an empirical formula of MgO and consists of a lattice of Mg²⁺ ions and O²⁻ ions. These ions are held together by ionic bonding.

Properties: Magnesium oxide is a hygroscopic fine white solid, frequently found as a powder. It is colorless, odorless, and has a boiling point of 6512° F at 760 mm Hg pressure. It is basically insoluble in water and ethanol, but soluble in ammonium salt solutions and acids.

Mg²⁺ + Ca(OH)₂ → Mg(OH)₂ + Ca²⁺

Calcining at diverse temperatures produces magnesium oxide of diverse reactivity.

Chemical reactions and Uses: MgO is valued as a refractory material (a solid that is physically and chemically stable at high temperatures). It is a major fireproofing ingredient in construction materials. Magnesium oxide is used widely in the soil and groundwater remediation, air emissions treatment, drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and waste treatment industries for its acid-buffering ability and related usefulness in stabilizing dissolved heavy metals. MgO is one of the constituents in Portland cement. MgO has a significant place as an animal feed and as a commercial plant fertilizer. MgO is also utilized as a protective coating in plasma displays.

In medicine, Magnesium oxide is used to relieve heartburn and sour stomach. It is also used as an antacid, as a short-term laxative, and as a magnesium supplement. It is, in addition, used to treat symptoms of indigestion.