Nomenclature
CAS number: 1309-48-4
Magnesium oxide (MgO); magnesia; calcined magnesia; magnesia usta; Magcal; Maglite (Marine Magnesium).
MgO; mol wt 40.30.
Mg 60.31%, O 39.70%.
Description and references
Occurs in nature as the mineral periclase. Commercial prepn from magnesite ores: Adams, US 3320029 (1967 to Northwest
Magnesite).
Properties
White, very fine, odorless powder. Available
in a very bulky form termed “Light” or in a dense form termed “Heavy”.
Takes up CO2 and H2O from the air, the light
form more readily than the heavy. mp 2800°. Highly reflective in visible and
near uv region. Combines with water to form magnesium hydroxide.
Very slightly sol in pure water, soly increased by CO2; sol in dil acids; insol in alcohol. Imparts a slight alkaline
reaction to water. pH of satd aq soln 10.3. Keep well closed.Caution
Potential symptoms of overexposure
to fumes are irritation of eyes and nose; metal fume fever (coughing,
chest pain and flu-like fever). See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140,
1997) p 188.Use
Manuf refractory crucibles, fire bricks, magnesia
cements and boiler scale compounds, “powdered” oils, casein glue.
Reflector in optical instruments; white color standard. Insulator
at low temp. Absorbant for colorants prior to determn. Prepn of
Eschka's reagent.
Therapeutic Category
Antacid.
Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)
Antacid, laxative, in hypomagnesemia.
Keywords
Antacid