Pyro
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How to store Magnesium turnings
Hi,
I got 1kg of Mg turnings for Grignards, it came in a bag.
Before I open it I would like to know how I can best keep it without it oxidising because the volume is very big (30x50x10 cm bag)
ideas?
all above information is intellectual property of Pyro.
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numos
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Perhaps a desiccator with a vacuum? There always oil, but there's no way to easily use it after that... If you have ampules, that might be a thought.
[Edited on 5-28-2014 by numos]
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HgDinis25
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You can flush a storage bottle (air tight, those used to store hygroscopic reagents) with Argon. Store the turnings in there. Every time you open it,
a little bit of air may go in, so after a while you should flush the bottle again with argon. Not too much air will get in in each use because argon
is denser than air. This may be a awkward way of storing it but it's better than having to go all the trouble storing it in a dessicator or using
parafin.
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Pyro
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My main problem is the enormous volume, it's more than 5l
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Dan Vizine
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This isn't really much of an issue. Put it into glass bottles with non-permeable caps, just like the chemical companies do.
When the (already oxide coated, whether you see it or not) metal is used, a few iodine crystals will activate the surface.
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Bert
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If you're not going to open and close the container, there are commercial Oxygen absorbers. If you have any of the little chemical hand warmer
packages made with Iron powder, charcoal & salt on hand- Same thing. Be warned: the bag will be similar in condition to a vacuum packed bag, it
must be strong enough to resist punctures from sharp points of the contents. DO NOT use the absorbers in a glass bottle, it may implode.
If you're going to open & close frequently, Argon gas flush & fill as recommended above.
I have indeed seen Mg filings and ESPECIALLY Mg powder so oxidized in storage as to be useless.
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Dan Vizine
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This is a picture of magnesium turnings I've stored for 16 years in a HDPE Nalgene bottle under air. The bottle has been opened dozens of times. They
are bright silver. This is high purity metal, purchased as a reagent for Gignard preps. You could reasonably expect similar results.
[Edited on 30-5-2014 by Dan Vizine]
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blogfast25
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Quote: Originally posted by Dan Vizine | This is a picture of magnesium turnings I've stored for 16 years in a HDPE Nalgene bottle under air. The bottle has been opened dozens of times. They
are bright silver. This is high purity metal, purchased as a reagent for Gignard preps. You could reasonably expect similar results.
[Edited on 30-5-2014 by Dan Vizine] |
I'm much inclined to agree. I sell high quality, high mesh Mg powder. It's stored under air. I don't see it change at all. I don't use it for
Grignards though...
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