What is Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium sulfate is widely used inorganic compound and the other names for the chemical substance are bath salts and the Epson salt. The chemical formula for the compound could be written as MgSO4 and molecular weight of 120.366 g/mol approximately. It exists in monohydrate state as well and its molecular changes to 138.38 g/mol in this case.
Magnesium Sulfate Structure
The product is made up of two magnesium cations and sulfate anions. Sulfur is placed in the center and the oxygen atoms are surrounding the sulfur atom with a double bond or a single bond. This chemical substance adopts an orthorhombic crystalline structure as shown below.
The natural occurrence of the product can be felt in minerals and it is largely available in the hydrated forms. The product is generally prepared after mining, processing of ions and dehydration of hydrated forms. The product can also be prepared chemically sulfur reacts with magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide.
Magnesium Sulfate Molecular
This is white crystalline and odorless product with an approximate density of 2.66 g/mL, and a melting point of 1,124°C. In monohydrate, values would be different. Density would be 2.45 g/mL, and a melting point of 200°C. The product dissolves in water quickly and considered extremely hygroscopic as it absorbs moisture from the water.
Magnesium Sulfate Formula: MgSO4
It could exist in dry or hydrate states both. This is popular for laboratory desiccant and becomes stable under normal conditions. When heated continuously at high temperatures, it could release harmful or toxic sulfur oxide fumes too. The product is not harmful when taken in limited quantity.