Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is a crystalline salt composed of magnesium, chlorine, and water molecules. It appears as colorless or white crystals and is highly soluble in water, forming clear, colorless solutions.
🏭⚗️ Production
This compound is commonly obtained by extracting magnesium chloride from natural brine or seawater sources, followed by crystallization. It can also be produced by reacting magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid and then crystallizing the hydrated salt.
🔬 Properties
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate forms transparent, colorless monoclinic crystals. It is highly hygroscopic, readily absorbing moisture from the air. The compound melts with decomposition at around 118 °C. It dissolves easily in water, releasing heat (exothermic dissolution). It has a density of approximately 1.56 g/cm³ and is stable under normal conditions.
🧪 Applications
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is used in de-icing and dust control on roads, in the production of magnesium metal, and as a coagulant in tofu production. It also serves as a source of magnesium in fertilizers and animal feed supplements. In the medical field, it is used as a magnesium supplement and in bath salts for therapeutic purposes.
