Magnesium Chloride Formula
The chemical formula for magnesium chloride is MgCl2. This indicates that one magnesium atom, represented by the symbol Mg, combines with two chlorine atoms, represented by the symbol Cl, to form a molecule of magnesium chloride. The subscript "2" after the Cl symbol indicates that there are two chlorine atoms in the molecule.
Magnesium chloride is an ionic compound, which means that it is composed of positively charged ions (Mg2+) and negatively charged ions (Cl-). In the solid state, magnesium chloride forms a white crystalline structure. It is highly soluble in water, meaning that it dissolves easily in water to form a solution.
Magnesium chloride is used for a variety of applications, including as a de-icing agent on roads, as a dust suppressant in mining operations, as a coagulant in tofu production, and as a nutritional supplement for animals. It also has medical uses, such as in the treatment of magnesium deficiency and as a component of some antacids.