liam552 - 28-10-2008 at 00:39
I was just wondering...Is it possible to exrtact Magnesium from Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salts!). If so, is it safe and/or easy to do for a noob like
myself?
Thanks all
[Edited on 28-10-2008 by liam552]
Nicodem - 28-10-2008 at 00:52
There is no elemental magnesium in magnesium sulfate, therefore you can not extract something that is not there in the first place. Magnesium sulfate
(MgSO4) or its hydrated form (MgSO4*7H2O) is a crystalline ionic compound (a so called salt). Being a compound it can not be separated further without
a chemical transformation (reaction), something an extraction is not. Since the magnesium ions in MgSO4 are in a different oxidation state than
elemental magnesium (+2 vs. 0) a redox reaction is required for such a chemical transformation. See a book on basic chemistry for further information.
There are also threads about reduction of Mg compounds into elemental (metallic) magnesium, so check them also.
liam552 - 28-10-2008 at 00:56
Oh ok, Didnt realize that. Ill do some more research next time 