Magnesium oxide
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Magnesium oxide
| |
| Other names
Magnesia
Magnesia alba Oxomagnesium Periclase | |
| Properties | |
| MgO | |
| Molar mass | 40.304 g/mol |
| Appearance | White solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 3.6 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 2,825 °C (5,117 °F; 3,098 K) |
| Boiling point | 3,600 °C (6,510 °F; 3,870 K) |
| Insoluble, some reacts to form Mg(OH)2 | |
| Solubility | Reacts with acids, ketones Insoluble in alcohols, esters, ethers, halocarbons, hydrocarbons |
| Vapor pressure | ~0 mmHg |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar
entropy (S |
26.95 ± 0.15 J·mol−1·K−1 |
| Std enthalpy of
formation (ΔfH |
−601.6 ± 0.3 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Beryllium oxide Calcium oxide Strontium oxide Barium oxide |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Magnesium oxide (MgO) or magnesia, is a white hygroscopic solid compound, an oxide of magnesium. It occurs naturally as the mineral periclase.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Magnesium oxide reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide, though the reaction is very slow at room temperature, a consequence of its low solubility in water. It will however react vigorously with acids, giving magnesium salts.
- MgO + 2 HX → + MgX2 + H2O
Magnesium oxide will not react with bases, especially molten ones.
Physical
Magnesium oxide is a white solid, insoluble in water.
Availability
Magnesium oxide can be bought from pharmacies, as antiacid, though most often tends to be impure.
Higher purity magnesium oxide can be bought online or from chemical suppliers
Preparation
Can be prepared by burning magnesium metal in air or dissolving it in water, then calcinate the resulting magnesium hydroxide.
Another route involves calcinating magnesium carbonate/hydroxide at high temperatures
Projects
- Make magnesium salts
- Magnesia crucible
- Electrical insulator in tubular heating elements
Handling
Safety
Magnesium oxide has low toxicity, though it may be irritant to touch. Inhalation of magnesium oxide fumes may cause metal fume fever.
Storage
In closed bottles, away from acids and halogens.
Disposal
No special disposal is required. Discard it as you wish.
