Magnesium sulfate

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Magnesium sulfate
Mgso4.JPG
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate monocrystal (Epsom Salt)
Anhydrous magnesium sulfate.jpg
Anhydrous magnesium sulfate, a popular desiccant
Names
IUPAC name
Magnesium sulfate
Other names
English salt
Bitter salts
Bath salts
Epsom salt
Epsomite
Properties
MgSO4
Molar mass 120.366 g/mol (anhydrous)
138.38 g/mol (monohydrate)
174.41 g/mol (trihydrate)
210.44 g/mol (pentahydrate)
228.46 g/mol (hexahydrate)
246.47 g/mol (heptahydrate)
Appearance White solid
Odor Odorless
Density 2.66 g/cm3 (anhydrous)
2.445 g/cm3 (monohydrate)
1.68 g/cm3 (heptahydrate)
1.512 g/cm3 (undecahydrate)
Melting point anhydrous
1,124 °C (2,055 °F; 1,397 K) (decomposes)
monohydrate
200 °C (392 °F; 473 K) (decomposes)
heptahydrate
150 °C (302 °F; 423 K) (decomposes)
undecahydrate
2 °C (36 °F; 275 K) (decomposes)
anhydrous
26.9 g/100 ml (0 °C)
35.1 g/100 ml (20 °C)
50.2 g/100 ml (100 °C)
heptahydrate
71 g/100 ml (20 °C)
Solubility Slightly soluble in alcohol, glycerol
Insoluble in acetone, benzene, toluene
Solubility in diethyl ether 1.16 g/100 ml (18 °C)
Vapor pressure ~0 mmHg
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich (anhydrous)
Flash point Non-flammable
Related compounds
Related compounds
Calcium sulfate
Strontium sulfate
Barium sulfate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is the inorganic compound with chemical formula MgSO4, the magnesium salt of sulfuric acid. Commonly referred to in its hydrated form by the name Epsom Salt, magnesium sulfate is one of the cheapest and most easily obtained lab chemicals. Its anhydrous form finds use as a desiccant and it is also a somewhat useful reagent in aqueous double replacement reactions.

Properties

Chemical

Magnesium sulfate is readily very soluble in water, while magnesium carbonate and hydroxide are not, allowing it to be a simple way to produce either by addition to an alkali metal carbonate or hydroxide.

MgSO4 + Na2CO3 → MgCO3 + Na2SO4

These two chemicals are useful in producing other magnesium salts. It can also be used as a way to add sulfate ions to a solution, such as to create calcium sulfate from calcium chloride.

Finally, it can be used as an electrolyte during electrolysis to produce soluble sulfates in situ.

Physical

Magnesium sulfate is most commonly encountered when purchased as the heptahydrate, usually called Epsom Salt. Solutions of magnesium sulfate easily yield well-formed transparent crystals on evaporation. At 200°C these crystals lose water to yield the anhydrous magnesium sulfate, which is very hygroscopic and as such is frequently used as a desiccant to dry organic solvents.

Availability

Most if not all pharmacies, department, and grocery stores carry Epsom salt, the heptahydrate of magnesium sulfate. Veterinary pharmacies also sell Epsom salt. A typical consumer price is about one dollar per pound in the United States, making it very cheap.

Preparation

While impractical given the extreme ease to obtain magnesium sulfate, it can be created by the action of sulfuric acid on the carbonate, hydroxide, or oxide of magnesium as well as magnesium metal itself.

Projects

  • Dry your own solvents
  • Electrolysis of water
  • Growing crystals

Handling

Safety

Magnesium sulfate is of very low toxicity, and is often used both topically and internally in medicine. Ingesting large amounts, however, may cause the magnesium sulfate to fulfill its duty as a saline laxative, possibly causing dehydration. It will also supply the oxygen-hungry gut flora with an overabundance of sulfate ion, which they will happily reduce to sulfide, rendering the consumer's flatulence eye-watering.

Storage

Magnesium sulfate should be kept in closed bottles or bags. The anhydrous form should be stored in sealed containers.

Disposal

Magnesium sulfate can be safely poured down the drain or in the ground.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads