Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Magnesium bisulfate?

guy - 13-3-2006 at 17:12

Stoichiometric amounts of (NH4)2SO4 and MgSO4 are very intamately mixed and heated for about 30 mins. A portion of the product was dissolved in water and NaHCO3 was added. Only a little gas was produced. But when a NaHCO3 solution is in contact with the solid product, CO2 production is faster and greater. So, did I make Mg(HSO4)2?

guy - 13-3-2006 at 23:22

I think I go it, maybe the HCO3- gets converted to H2CO3 and that forms MgCO3 but that reacts to form soluble Mg(HCO3)2. When the solution is in contact wih the solid, the concentration of acid is higher and causes faster formation of CO2.