Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is a white crystalline compound with the chemical formula MgCl2·6H2O. It consists of one magnesium ion (Mg2+) and two chloride ions (Cl-) surrounded by six water molecules (H2O) in a hydrated crystal lattice structure.

The molar mass of magnesium chloride hexahydrate is 203.31 g/mol, with the magnesium ion contributing 24.31 g/mol, the chloride ion contributing 70.90 g/mol, and the water molecules contributing 18.00 g/mol each.

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is soluble in water and alcohol, but insoluble in ether. It has a melting point of 117 °C and decomposes at temperatures above 300 °C.

This compound is commonly used as a source of magnesium ions in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications, such as in the manufacturing of fertilizers, textiles, paper, and antacids. It is also used as a de-icing agent on roads and runways, as well as in dust control and soil stabilization.