MOLECULAR FORMULA : MG(OH )2
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES : Magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2 otherwise known as milk of magnesia is a white solid powder which is slightly soluble in water.The diarrhea caused by magnesium hydroxide carries away much of the body's supply of potassium and failure to take extra potassium will lead to muscle cramps.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES : The mineral form of magnesium hydroxide is known as brucite.It decomposes at 350 C.It is prepared by reacting magnesium sulphate or chloride with sodium hydroxide. A white precipitate of magnesium hydroxide can be produced in paper by the action of moisture on magnesium methoxide. Magnesium hydroxide interferes with the absorption of folic acid and iron. It does not dissociate completely and therefore is a weak base and has no exothermic reaction with water . Due to its low solubility in water a maximum amount of PH (10.5) can be obtained during an over dosing situation which is much better than any other obtained PH . Magnesium hydroxide releases its 31% water when heated to above 325 C ,which cools the product below the flash point to reduce fire occurance.A very few quantity of magnesium hydroxide is required to neutralize the same amount of acid, than caustic soda or hydtrated lime or compared to any other salt.
USES : Medicinaly Magnesium hydroxide , in the form of a mixture is used as an antacid or a laxative to neutralize stomach acid.It there fore relieves stomach upset.It is available in nonprescription products alone and in combination with other nonprescription ingredients also.It is widely used as an armpit deodorant or as an antiperspirant.
Industrialy , Magnesium hydroxide is used in uranium processing , extraction of magnesium metal , and sugar refining .It is an inert filler , flame retardant and smoke suppressant for plastics and synthetic rubber. It also helps in strengthening polysters , phenolics , and urethane.In compared to caustic soda and lime, magnesium hydroxide has found great use in treating industrial metal laden acidic wastewater. Magnesium hydroxide has the added advantages of having less chance of frequent pH swings than caustic soda. Due to its qualities , it has even started making a base as a Municipal sector for pH and alkalinity control in nitrification, aerobic and anaerobic digestion.The introduction of magnesium hydroxide significantly increased sludge particle density, improved filtration and produce better water quality.It also helps in waste water treatment plant .
It can be used in bleaching solutions to whiten clothes .
As a point of safety , if splashed on the skin it can simply be washed off with no damage to the skin .A small amount when injected causes no damage but a large amount can be dangerous.Its inhalation can also lead to skin and eyes irritation.
