Magnesium sulfate
Catalog Number
ACM7487889
CAS
7487-88-9
IUPAC Name
Magnesium;sulfate
Synonyms
Magnesium sulfate anhydrous
Application
Magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salt, serves a multitude of purposes owing to its chemical properties and versatility. In its heptahydrate form (MgSO4·7H2O), it appears as white or colorless crystalline structures and is widely used across various industries. In scientific research and laboratory settings, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is utilized in Kreb's Ringer buffer and minimal media for culturing certain bacteria, as well as in solutions for plant cell isolation. The substance is valued in agriculture as a key nutrient to address magnesium deficiencies in plants, making it a vital component in fertilizers. Moreover, magnesium sulfate is actively used in sectors like paper and sugar refining as a source of magnesium. In the realm of pharmaceuticals and health care, Epsom salt is available as an over-the-counter laxative and prescribed as an anticonvulsant and electrolyte replenisher. Additionally, it is used in food processing as a flavor enhancer, nutrient supplement, and processing aid. Its natural occurrence as the mineral epsomite, often found in the saline efflorescence of arid soils, highlights its significance in both natural and industrial applications.
Molecular Weight
120.37
Molecular Formula
MgO4S
Product Information
Description
Magnesium sulfate is an inorganic salt (chemical compound) containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen, with the formula MgSO4.It is often encountered as the heptahydrate sulfate mineral epsomite (MgSO4·7H₂O), commonly called Epsom salt, taking its name from a bitter saline spring in Epsom in Surrey, England, where the salt was produced from the springs that arise where the porous chalk of the North Downs meets non-porous London clay. The monohydrate, MgSO4·H₂O is found as the mineral kieserite. The overall global annual usage in the mid-1970s of the monohydrate was 2.3 million tons, of which the majority was used in agriculture.Anhydrous magnesium sulfate is used as a drying agent. The anhydrous form is hygroscopic (readily absorbs water from the air) and is therefore difficult to weigh accurately; the hydrate is often preferred when preparing solutions (for example, in medical preparations). Epsom salt has been traditionally used as a component of bath salts. Epsom salt can also be used as a beauty product. Athletes use it to soothe sore muscles, while gardeners use it to improve crops.
Canonical SMILES
[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Mg+2]
InChI
InChI=1S/Mg.H₂O4S/c;1-5(2,3)4/h;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q+2;/p-2
InChI Key
CSNNHWWHGAXBCP-UHFFFAOYSA-L
Boiling Point
330ºC at 760 mmHg
Melting Point
1124 °C
Purity
99%+
Density
1.07 g/mL at 20 °C (lit.)
Solubility
Soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, glycerol, insoluble in acetone
Appearance
Slightly gray powder
Complexity
62.2
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count
2
Exact Mass
119.9367713
Hazard Statements
Xi: Irritant;
Heavy Atom Count
6
Monoisotopic Mass
119.9367713
Odor
Odorless
Topological Polar Surface Area
88.6 Ų
Please kindly note that our products and services are for research use only.
Have a question? Get a Free Consultation