MAGNESIUM OXIDE

Magnesium oxide is an inorganic salt of magnesium comprising ions of magnesium and oxygen. It’s one of many forms of magnesium available for purchase. It has low absorbability. It is a white solid, or a dry a powder. Magnesium oxide, other name as magnesia is an alkaline earth metal oxide which is obtained from the calcination of some minerals occurred in nature. It is an odourless salt that is chemically stable at high temperatures. It has octahedral coordination geometry. It has a good corrosion resistance. Magnesium oxide is a hygroscopic compound. it is soluble in acids and ammonia. It has no rapid reaction with water or air but soluble in water. On decomposition, it emits violently bitter fumes of MgO. It is not flammable solid. It has a high thermal conductivity but low electrical conductivity.

It has main applications.

• It is used in refractory material.
• It’s added to dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications used to treat constipation, and indigestion.
• It is used as an antacid.
• It serves as mild laxative.
• It works as a fireproofing ingredient in construction materials.
• Magnesium oxide is used in the groundwater remediation and soil, and drinking water treatment.
• It serves in air emissions treatment, and waste treatment industries for its acid buffering capacity.
• It is utilized as an electrical insulator in tubular construction heating elements and  in heat-resistant electrical cable.
• It works as a protective coating in plasma displays.
• Magnesium oxide isutilized as an oxide barrier in spin-tunneling devices.

Physical Properties 

It is a basic oxide. It has negligible vapour pressure at room temperature and has a fair shelf life. this substance is not considered hazardous. Magnesium oxide may be less effective at raising blood magnesium levels as it contains high amounts of magnesium. Magnessium oxide can be prepared by calcination of Magnessium hydroxide.  High temperatures 1500 – 2000 °C reduce the available surface area and produces dead-burned magnesia.