What Are The Physical And Chemical Properties Of Magnesium Chloride?

Magnesium chloride is a white crystalline solid with the chemical formula MgCl2. Its physical properties include a melting point of 714°C, a boiling point of 1412°C, and a density of 2.32 g/cm3. It is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of 54 g/100 mL at room temperature.

Chemically, magnesium chloride is a hygroscopic compound, meaning that it readily absorbs moisture from the air. It also exhibits deliquescence, which means that it can absorb enough moisture to dissolve and form a solution. This property makes magnesium chloride useful as a desiccant, or drying agent, in certain applications.

In aqueous solutions, magnesium chloride dissociates into magnesium cations (Mg2+) and chloride anions (Cl-). These ions are highly mobile and provide conductivity to the solution. Magnesium chloride also has a high affinity for water molecules, making it useful in applications such as snow and ice removal, where it can lower the freezing point of water and prevent the formation of ice.

Overall, magnesium chloride is a versatile compound with a range of physical and chemical properties that make it useful in a variety of applications, including as a deicing agent, food additive, and pharmaceutical ingredient.