What Is Magnesium Sulfate?

Magnesium sulfate can be used for tanning, explosives, papermaking, porcelain, fertilizers, and oral laxatives in medicine. Magnesium sulfate is used as a fertilizer in agriculture because magnesium is one of the main components of chlorophyll. It is usually used for potted plants or crops lacking magnesium, such as tomatoes, potatoes, roses, etc. The advantage of magnesium sulfate over other fertilizers is its higher solubility. Magnesium sulfate is also used as a bath salt. Magnesium sulfate, or anhydrous magnesium sulfate, is a compound containing magnesium. Anhydrous magnesium sulfate is a commonly used chemical and drying reagent. Oblique columnar crystals, odorless, bitter, clinically used for catharsis, choleretic, anticonvulsant, eclampsia, tetanus, hypertension and other symptoms. ^[1]

Chinese name: Magnesium sulfate
English name: magnesium sulphate
nickname: Epsom salt, sulfur bitter, bitter salt, diarrhea salt
Chemical formula: MgSO4
Molecular weight: 120.3687
CAS Registry Number: 7487-88-9
EINECS registration number: 231-298-2

Melting point: 1124
Water soluble: 25.5 g / 100 ml (20 ° C)
Density: 2.66 g / mL
Exterior: White crystalline solid
Flash point: 1124
Molar mass: 120.415 gmol-1
MSDS: External MSDS
Water absorption: 1.05 (as MgSO4 · 7H2O)

Physical and Chemical Properties of Magnesium Sulfate

Physical properties of magnesium sulfate

Solubility: easily soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, glycerin, ether, insoluble in acetone. ^[1]

Magnesium sulfate properties

Stability: anhydrous magnesium sulfate is easy to absorb water, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is easy to dehydrate

Toxicity: Low toxicity

Toxicological data: mouse subcutaneous: LD ₅₀ 645 mg / kg (subcutaneously in mice); mouse abdominal cavity: 670-733 mg / kg

Irritation: This product may cause stomach pain, vomiting, watery diarrhea, collapse, dyspnea, cyanosis, etc. ^[1]

Preparation method of magnesium sulfate

It is obtained by decomposing or neutralizing magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, rhodochloite, etc. with sulfuric acid. There are also raw materials for the production of potassium chloride, which are mixed with the mother liquor containing magnesium after bromine production in proportion, cooled and crystallized to obtain crude magnesium sulfate, and then heated to filter, remove impurities, and crystallize to obtain industrial magnesium sulfate. It can also be obtained by heating, bittering, and crystallizing the bittern, or carbonizing the magnesium oxide and gypsum aqueous suspension. ^[1]

About chemical equations:

1.Mg + H ₂ SO ₄ = H ₂ + MgSO ₄

2.MgO + H ₂ SO ₄ = H ₂ O + MgSO ₄

3. Mg (OH) ₂ + H ₂ SO ₄ = 2H ₂ O + MgSO ₄

4.MgCO ₃ + H ₂ SO ₄ = CO ₂ + H ₂ O + MgSO ₄

5, 2MgSO ₃ + O ₂ = 2MgSO ₄

6.Mg + FeSO ₄ = Fe + MgSO ₄

7. Mg + CuSO ₄ = Cu + MgSO _{4 ^[1]}

8.Mg + ZnSO ₄ = Zn + MgSO ₄

Main uses of magnesium sulfate

Magnesium sulfate building materials

After magnesium sulfate is dissolved in water, it can react with lightly burned powder to form magnesium oxysulfate cement. Magnesium oxysulfate cement has good fire resistance, thermal insulation, durability and environmental protection, and is used in many fields such as fire-resistant door core boards, exterior wall insulation boards, silicon modified insulation boards, and fire-proof boards ^[2] .

Magnesium sulfate medicine

(1) Magnesium sulfate can inhibit the central nervous system, relax skeletal muscle, have sedation, anti-spasm and reduce intracranial pressure. Commonly used in the treatment of convulsions, eclampsia, uremia, tetanus and hypertensive encephalopathy. Intramuscular injection of 10% magnesium sulfate 10ml deep or diluted with 5% glucose to a 2% ~ 2.5% solution slowly. However, it should be noted that direct intravenous or large-dose intramuscular injection of magnesium sulfate is very dangerous. Generally, a maximum of 15 ml of 25% magnesium sulfate can be used at a time. Pay attention to the patient's breathing and blood pressure during use. The slow knee reflex is an important sign of sufficient magnesium ion.

(2) Magnesium plays an extremely important role in the metabolism of sugars and proteins. Children in growth and development should be supplemented with magnesium salts if they have indigestion and when using vitamin D.

(3) Magnesium has many physiological functions similar to potassium. Because the clinical manifestations of magnesium deficiency are similar to potassium deficiency, magnesium deficiency is often easily overlooked. When potassium is supplemented during potassium deficiency and the symptoms still do not improve, the possibility of magnesium deficiency should be considered first, so that hypomagnesemia can be corrected in time. Therefore, patients with long-term infusion should pay attention to magnesium supplementation while supplementing potassium. Adding 1 gram of magnesium sulfate to the daily infusion can prevent the occurrence of hypomagnesemia.

(4) When patients with cardiac insufficiency use digitalis drugs, magnesium salts can be appropriately added to prevent low magnesium and increase the toxicity of digitalis. Clinical use of magnesium salts to treat tachycardia is often effective.

(5) Oral magnesium sulfate is rarely absorbed in the intestine, so it has no use as described above. However, oral magnesium sulfate has a good cathartic function, so magnesium sulfate is also called Epsom salt. After the oral magnesium sulfate aqueous solution reaches the intestinal cavity, it has a certain osmotic pressure, so that the intestinal water is not absorbed by the intestinal wall. The intestine retains a large amount of water, which can mechanically stimulate the peristalsis of the intestine and defecate. Therefore, magnesium sulfate can be used to treat constipation and abnormal fermentation in the intestine; combined with insect repellent, the intestine can be easily discharged. 5-20 grams of magnesium sulfate can be dissolved in 100-400 milliliters of warm water each time and taken orally once in the morning. The concentration is not easy to be too high, preferably 5%, otherwise the defecation is delayed.

(6) Magnesium sulfate can stimulate the duodenal mucosa, and cause the common bile duct sphincter to relax and the gallbladder to contract, thereby promoting the emptying of the gallbladder, which is beneficial to the bile. Can be used for the treatment of cholecystitis gallstones, 2 to 5 grams each time, 3 times a day, orally before meals or between meals. 50% magnesium sulfate diluted to 33% (high concentration), 5ml Tid.

(7) Magnesium sulfate can be used as a digestive tract radiography

(8) Anti-inflammatory and swelling The 50% solution of this product is applied topically to the affected area, which has the effect of anti-inflammatory and swelling.

External application of magnesium sulfate powder can reduce swelling, and is used to treat swelling after external injuries of the limbs and help improve rough skin.

Magnesium sulfate is easily soluble in water and is not absorbed orally. Magnesium ions and sulfate ions in the aqueous solution are not easily absorbed by the intestinal wall, which increases the intestinal osmotic pressure, and body fluids move to the intestinal cavity, which increases the intestinal cavity volume. Intestinal wall dilation, which stimulates the afferent nerve endings of the intestinal wall, reflexively causes intestinal peristalsis to increase and lead to diarrhea, which acts on all intestinal segments, so the effect is fast and strong. For laxatives and duodenal drainage.

Intravenous and intramuscular injection of magnesium sulfate is mainly used for anticonvulsants, which can cause vasodilation and decrease in blood pressure. Due to the central inhibitory effect of magnesium sulfate and skeletal muscle relaxation and antihypertensive effect, it is mainly used in clinical relief of eclampsia and tetanus. Convulsions are also used in the treatment of hypertension crisis. Also used to detoxify barium salts. ^[1]

Magnesium sulfate industry

Used in tanning, explosives, fertilizers, papermaking, porcelain, printing dyes, lead-acid batteries and other industries. Magnesium sulfate, like other potassium, calcium, amino acid salts, silicate and other minerals, can be used as a bath salt. ^[1]

Magnesium sulfate agriculture

Fertilizer: In agriculture and horticulture, magnesium sulfate is used to improve soils that are deficient in magnesium (magnesium is a basic element of chlorophyll molecules). It is most commonly used for potted plants, or magnesium-containing crops such as potatoes, roses, tomatoes, peppers and marijuana. The advantage of applying magnesium sulfate over other magnesium sulfate soil modifiers (such as dolomitic lime) is its high solubility.

Feed: Feed-grade magnesium sulfate is used as a supplement for magnesium in feed processing. Magnesium is an indispensable factor involved in osteogenesis and muscle contraction in livestock and poultry. It is an activator of various enzymes in livestock and poultry. It plays an extremely important role in material metabolism and nerve function in livestock and poultry. If the livestock and poultry bodies are deficient in magnesium, it will cause material metabolism and nervous function disorders, supply imbalances, affect the growth and development of livestock and poultry, and even cause death. ^[1]

Precautions for magnesium sulfate

Overview of the dangers of magnesium sulfate

Health hazards: The dust of this product has a stimulating effect on mucous membranes. Long-term exposure can cause respiratory tract inflammation. If taken by mistake, it has a cathartic effect. If there is renal dysfunction, it can cause magnesium poisoning, causing stomach pain, vomiting, watery diarrhea, collapse, dyspnea, and cyanosis.

Environmental hazards: Harmful to the environment and can cause pollution to water bodies.

Explosion hazard: This product is non-combustible and irritating.

Others: This substance is harmful to the environment. Special attention should be paid to water pollution. ^[3]

Magnesium sulfate risk term

Danger sign: R36 / 37/38 ^[3]

Storage and transportation characteristics of magnesium sulfate

Precautions for transportation: The package should be complete at the time of shipment, and the loading should be secure. During transportation, ensure that the container does not leak, collapse, fall, or damage. It is strictly forbidden to mix and transport with oxidants and edible chemicals. During transportation, it should be protected from direct sunlight, rain and high temperature. The vehicle should be thoroughly cleaned after transportation. When transporting by road, follow the prescribed route. ^[3]

Handling and storage of magnesium sulfate

Operating precautions: closed operation, local exhaust. Prevent dust from being released into the workshop air. Operators must be specially trained and strictly abide by the operating procedures. It is recommended that operators wear self-priming filter dust masks, chemical safety protective glasses, anti-poison infiltration overalls, and rubber gloves. Avoid generating dust. Avoid contact with oxidants. Equipped with leakage emergency treatment equipment. Empty containers may be harmful residues.

Storage precautions: Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse. Keep away from fire and heat sources. Protect from direct sunlight. Packaging is sealed. should be kept away from oxidizer, do not store together. The storage area should be equipped with suitable materials to contain spills.

Disposal methods: Dispose by safe landfill. If possible, reuse the container or bury it in a designated place. ^[3]

First aid measures of magnesium sulfate

Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse with running water.

Eye contact: Raise eyelids and rinse with running water or saline. Seek medical attention.

Inhalation: Quickly leave the scene to fresh air. Keep your airways open. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing stops, give artificial respiration immediately. Seek medical attention.

Ingestion: Drink plenty of warm water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention. ^[3]

Fire protection measures for magnesium sulfate

Hazardous characteristics: It cannot burn itself. High heat releases toxic gases.

Hazardous combustion products: Sulfur oxide, magnesium oxide.

Fire extinguishing methods: Firefighters must wear full-body fire and gas protective clothing and extinguish the fire in the upwind direction. Move the container from the fire to an open area when possible. Then select an appropriate extinguishing agent to extinguish the fire based on the cause of the fire. ^[3]

Emergency treatment of magnesium sulfate

Isolate leaking contaminated areas and restrict access. It is recommended that emergency workers wear dust masks and general work clothes. Do not touch the spill directly. Small leakage: Avoid dust, sweep up carefully, collect and transport to waste disposal site for disposal. Large spills: Collected for recycling or transported to a waste disposal site for disposal. ^[3]