Magnesium sulfate is a colorless or white crystalline solid or powder, odorless, bitter in taste, and hygroscopic.It is a commonly used chemical reagent and drying agent.It acts as an anticonvulsant, cardiovascular drug, calcium channel blocker, anesthetic, uterine relaxant, antiarrhythmic agent, analgesic, and fertilizer.It is a magnesium salt and metal sulfate.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Molecular FormulaMgSO4
Density:2.66g/cm³g/cm³
Boiling Point:
Solubility:
Soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol and glycerol; insoluble in acetone.
Molecular Weight:120.4g/mol
Flash Point:
Melting Point:
Uses
1. Agriculture: Magnesium fertilizer, feed additive, to supplement magnesium for crops and livestock.
2. Industry: Dyeing and printing auxiliary, paper filler, cement fire retardant, desiccant, leather tanning, raw material for explosives.
3. Pharmaceutical: Laxative, cholagogue, external wet compress for detumescence, anticonvulsant.
4. Food & Daily Chemicals: Food additive, bath salt, water treatment, buffer agent.
Safety, Security & Risk
Chemical Hazards
When heated, it decomposes, emitting toxic and corrosive fumes containing sulfur oxides.