Magnesium Sulfate – MgSO₄ 7H₂O

Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O)

A crystalline hydrate form of Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is used widely for enhancing the fertility of the soil in the fields of horticulture and agriculture [1].

Introduction:

• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O) is an inorganic substance that typically consists of a complex mixture of magnesium, oxygen, sulfur, and hydrogen.
• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O) is available on the specific names of organic Epsom salt, Epsomite(Mg(SO₄).7H₂0), MFCD00149785, 10034-99-8, Magnesium sulfate 7-hydrate and magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O), Cell Culture Reagent in the economic market [10].
• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O) can be obtainable in the market in sustainable packaging of 250g, 500g, 1kg, 5kg, and 10kg. The poly pail and standard HDPE bottles are properly used for their distinctive packaging and proper protection from direct sunlight [9].

Structure:

• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O) consists precisely of seven water molecules tenderly attached with magnesium sulfate. The specific structure is shown below:

Figure 1: structure of Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O)[9].

Procedure:

• The procedure for making magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O) in the laboratory by carrying out a reaction between magnesium oxide and dilute sulfuric acid is discussed below in detail [11].
• Magnesium and sulfate correctly are two important components for manufacturing magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄). It naturally occurs in nature in the specific form of kieserite mineral (MgSO₄.7H₂O) which is then dissolved in distilled water and heated gently to form magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O).
• Other ways of making magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O) in the laboratory include the reaction of sulfuric acid with magnesium oxide.
• The necessary material and equipment that are typically needed in the laboratory for the production process are given below:

• First of all, magnesium oxide is obtained by following reactions that are discussed below.
  • Thermal decomposition of magnesium carbonate that is obtained from magnesite ore results in the formation of magnesium oxide.

Magnesium carbonate (s) → magnesium oxide (s) + carbon dioxide (g)

MgCO₃ (s) → MgO (s) + CO₂ (g)

• • By thermal decomposition of magnesium hydroxide that is obtained from sea water.

Magnesium hydroxide (s) → magnesium oxide (s) + water (g)

Mg(OH)₂(s) → MgO(s) + H₂O(g)

• By properly using balance, weight 1.5 grams of magnesium oxide (MgO).
• Measure 25cm3 of sulfuric acid by using a measuring cylinder. Use protective goggles during this method because sulfuric acid is hazardous for the eyes.
• Gently heat the sulfuric acid at the standard temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. Subsequently, add the measured magnesium oxide in small proportions after few intervals of time in the beaker and start stirring the solution gently. Make sure each portion of the magnesium oxide is dissolved fully in the acid.
• After the cloudy solution is identified in the beaker, filter the solution in evaporating basin.
• Subsequently strain it slowly over a hot water bath until crystal formation occurs.
• Solution is cooled down, and crystals are filtered by using filter paper. Carefully dry the inorganic crystals by placing filter paper on a watch glass. Promptly leave the crystals at room temperature. These dry crystals are identified as magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O).
• The chemical equation of magnesium oxide treated with sulfuric acid results in the production of MgSO₄.7H₂O is given below.

MgO(s) + H₂SO₄(aq.) → MgSO₄(aq.)

• It is then stored in tight containers or jars to protect it from moisture present in the atmosphere.

Applications:

It has a broad range of applications in agriculture, horticulture, paper, bleaching, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Following are the important applications of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O) discussed below [7] [8]:

• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O) is a significant source of essential minerals for plants because of the frequent presence of magnesium and sulfur in it.
• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is also used in cleaning products like soaps, spot removers, textile, and laundry detergents as a stabilizer of peroxides.
• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is utilized as fertilizer because it provides the surplus amount of magnesium and sulfur that are necessary for their development and growth.
• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O) plays a substantial role in the organic food industry. It is utilized as a food additive and flavoring agent. It is used for knowingly giving distinctive flavor and brilliant color to the food.
• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is additionally utilized in the production process of pulp, paper, or paper products typically enhancing the physical properties of paper.
• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is used in treating metal surfaces, casting metals, and in the economic production of metal.
• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate also acts as a bleaching agent in textile industries.
• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O) is widely used in pharmaceutical industries for the treatment of many potential health issues like constipation, pain relievers, asthma, barium poisoning, muscle relaxers, low level of magnesium in the blood, and Torsade’s des Pointes (TdP) condition in which abnormal heart rhythms leads to a heart attack.

Specifications:

• Following are the specifications of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.H₂O) that are discussed below [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]:

Hazards and Safety:

• Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄.7H₂O) is a non-flammable substance. It may affect the eyes, nose, skin, throat, and respiratory system.
• Health Effects:
  • Prolonged exposure to skin can cause irritation, redness, itching, and dermatitis.
  • Accidental contact of the powder with the eyes can cause redness, irritation, and sting in the eyes.
  • If it is engulfed mistakenly, it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypocalcemia, and nausea, etc.
  • In case of inhalation, it can cause coughing, irritation in the throat and nose which results in sneezing.
• It is significant to avoid prolonged exposure to skin and eyes. In case of emergency seek medical help immediately.
• Use well-ventilated places for research and laboratory purposes.
• Use protective gloves, goggles, and clothes to minimize contamination while utilizing them [6].

References:

1. NORD FEED – Magnesium Sulphate(Sulfate) Heptahydrate – MgSO4•7H2O
2. American Elements – Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate – CAS#:10034-99-8
3. National Library of Medicine NIH PubChem – Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate
4. Sigma Aldrich – Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate
5. The Good Scents Company – Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate
6. Fingal Farm Supply – Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate
7. EuroPiren – Component for the production of magnesium sulfate
8. National Library of Medicine NIH PubChem – Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate – 8.3 Uses
9. Glentham Life Sciences – Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate – CAS:10034-99-8
10. National Library of Medicine NIH PubChem – Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate – 2.3.5 Wikipedia
11. Royal Society of Chemistry – Preparation of Magnesium sulfate