Magnesium carbonate

Description

Magnesium carbonate has the molecular formula of MgCO₃ and the molecular weight of 84.3145 g/mol.For the most part,Mg²⁺ forms several hydrated and basic carbonates that are stable and occur in nature.
The calcite structure of magnesium carbonate has the form wherein Mg²⁺ is surrounded by six O^2- atoms. The dihydrate composition has a triclinic structure, while the trihydrate has a monoclinic structure. References to “light” and “heavy” magnesium carbonates actually refer to the magnesium hydroxycarbonates. A space-filling structure of the anhydrous salt is seen in the above diagram where the triangular CO₃ ^2- groups are clearly visible.

Chemical properties

Light, bulky, white powder. Soluble in acids; very slightly soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol. Noncombustible.

Chemical properties

At room temperature, linolenic acid is a colorless liquid; soluble in most organic solvents; insoluble in water. Combustible.

The Uses of Magnesium carbonate

Magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) is found in a mixture of natural minerals. It can also be produced in several ways, including pumping carbon dioxide through magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide. It is used in pharmaceuticals such as magnesium citrate and as a desiccant to keep hydroscopic products from caking (table salt) and to strengthen rubber and produce dyes, inks, and cosmetics.

The Uses of Magnesium carbonate

Magnesium Carbonate is an anticaking agent and general purpose food additive. it is practically insoluble in water but is more soluble in water containing carbon dioxide. it imparts a slightly alkaline reaction to the water. it is used as an alkali in sour cream, butter, and canned peas. it is used as an anticaking agent in table salt and dry mixes. it assists in providing clarity in algin gels and functions as a filler in dental impression materials.

The Uses of Magnesium carbonate

Magnesium salts, heat insulation and refractory, rubber reinforcing agent, inks, glass, pharmaceuticals, dentifrice and cosmetics, free-running table salts, antacid, making magnesium citrate, filtering medium. In foods as drying agent, color retention agent, anticaking agent, carrier.

Definition

The term magnesium carbonate is generally reserved for the synthetic, pure variety. The naturally occurring material is called magnesite.