Magnesium chlorate refers to inorganic compounds with the chemical formula Mg(ClO3)2(H2O)x. It typically forms colorless, crystalline solids. Magnesium chlorate is used in various industrial applications, particularly in the production of oxygen gas and as a precursor to other chemicals. It can also be used as a disinfectant and in certain chemical processes.
Production
Samples of magnesium chlorate were first claimed in 1920 as the result of treating magnesium oxide with chlorine. A more modern method involves electrolysis of magnesium chloride. The magnesium chlorate can be purified by exploiting its solubility in acetone.
A more simple method of production is the reaction of barium chlorate and magnesium sulfate:
Ba(ClO3)2 + MgSO4 → BaSO4↓ + Mg(ClO3)2
The precipitated barium sulfate is filtered to yield a solution of magnesium chlorate, which when evaporated, yields crystals of the hexahydrate.
Magnesium chlorate is typically produced by reacting magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) with chloric acid (HClO₃) or magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) with chloric acid. The reaction can be summarized as:
Mg(OH)2+2HClO3→Mg(ClO3)2+2H2O
Properties
The hexahydrate Mg(ClO3)2·6H2O decomposes to the tetrahydrate at 35 °C. At 65 °C, it dehydrates to the dihydrate, then at 80 °C forms a basic salt. If further heated to 120 °C it decomposes to water, oxygen, chlorine, and magnesium oxide.
- Chemical formula: Mg(ClO3)2
- Molar mass: 191.20 g/mol
- Appearance: White crystalline solid
- Density: 1.747 g/cm3 (hexahydrate)
- Melting point: 35 °C (95 °F; 308 K)
- Boiling point: 120 °C (248 °F; 393 K)[2] (decomposition)
- Solubility in water: 114 g/100 ml (0 °C), 268 g/100 ml (100 °C)
- Solubility in acetone: Soluble
Occurrences
Magnesium chlorate is not naturally abundant in significant quantities. However, it can be synthesized in the laboratory or industrially through reactions involving magnesium compounds and chloric acid or through chlorination of magnesium hydroxide. It may also be found in small quantities as part of certain chemical processes or as a byproduct in the preparation of other chemicals.
Uses
Magnesium(II) chlorate is used as a powerful desiccant and a defoliant for cotton, potato, and rice. It is also found as a lubricant in eye drops as an inactive ingredient.
- Chemical synthesis: Used in the production of oxygen, chlorine dioxide, and other chemicals.
- Oxidizing agent: Can serve as a source of oxygen in chemical reactions.
- Industrial disinfectant: It has potential uses in sanitation and sterilization processes.
Hazards
Magnesium chlorate is an oxidizer and can in principle form explosive mixtures. It is considered an oxidizer and can be hazardous. It should be handled with care to avoid potential reactions, especially with reducing agents or flammable substances, as it may lead to fire or explosion hazards. Always follow safety guidelines when handling chemicals like magnesium chlorate.
