Difference between magnesium chloride and anhydrous magnesium chloride

In the chemical industry, magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) and anhydrous magnesium chloride (MgCl₂ · 6 H₂ O) are two concepts that are often confused. Although they have many similarities in chemical properties, they have different uses and performance differences in practical applications. This article will analyze the difference between magnesium chloride and anhydrous magnesium chloride in detail from the basic concepts, chemical properties, physical properties, uses, etc., to help readers better understand the characteristics of these two substances and their applications in industrial production.

1. basic concepts and appearance characteristics

1. Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) Magnesium chloride is a compound composed of magnesium and chlorine, and its chemical formula is MgCl₂. It is a colorless powder solid, widely used in water treatment, ceramic production, food industry and other fields. Magnesium chloride has a high solubility in water, but the degree of hydrolysis of magnesium ions in its solution is slightly higher than that of anhydrous magnesium chloride.

2. Anhydrous magnesium chloride (MgCl₂ · 6 H₂ O) Anhydrous magnesium chloride is a dehydrated magnesium chloride crystal with a chemical formula of MgCl₂ · 6H O2, and the appearance is a white crystalline solid. Due to the removal of crystal water, anhydrous magnesium chloride is more convenient in use and can be used directly without further drying or dissolution exotherm.

2. chemical differences

1. solubility
   Magnesium chloride shows good solubility in water, but the magnesium ions in the solution are prone to hydrolysis, resulting in weak acidity of the solution. However, anhydrous magnesium chloride does not contain crystal water, and its solubility is basically the same as that of magnesium chloride, but its particles are finer, the surface area is larger, and the reaction activity is higher.

2. Stability Magnesium chloride easily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide in the air, resulting in decomposition of magnesium oxide and hydrogen chloride gas. However, anhydrous magnesium chloride has higher stability and is not easy to decompose because it does not contain crystal water.

3. physical properties of different

1. Appearance and color Magnesium chloride is a colorless powdery solid, while anhydrous magnesium chloride is a white crystalline solid with darker color and finer particles.

2. Melting Point and Hardness The melting point of magnesium chloride is high, about 715°C, and the hardness is moderate; the melting point of anhydrous magnesium chloride is about 600°C, and the hardness is slightly lower. Therefore, anhydrous magnesium chloride is easier to handle when used at high temperatures.

3. surface area Anhydrous magnesium chloride has stronger chemical activity due to its compact crystallization and large surface area, which is suitable for catalysis and accelerated reaction rate.

4. Uses and Applications

1. Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) application

• Deoxidizer: Magnesium chloride is a commonly used deoxidizer, widely used in water treatment, petroleum refining and food processing and other fields, used to absorb the solution of oxygen, to prevent oxidation reaction.
• Ceramic production: Magnesium chloride is a key additive for ceramic production, which is used to adjust the sintering temperature and improve ceramic performance.
• Chemical: Magnesium chloride is also used in the production of other chloride compounds, such as sodium chloride and potassium chloride preparation.

1. Anhydrous magnesium chloride (MgCl₂ · 6H? O) application

• Desiccant: Anhydrous magnesium chloride is an efficient desiccant, widely used to remove gas and liquid moisture, especially in high temperature and high humidity environment.
• Catalyst: Due to its larger surface area and higher reaction activity, anhydrous chlorine anhydrous magnesium chloride is often used in catalytic reactions, such as chemical synthesis and industrial production of catalysts.
• Laboratory: in the laboratory, anhydrous magnesium chloride is often used in the preparation of solution and absorption reagents in the water, to ensure the accuracy of the experiment.

5. storage and transportation

1. Storage

• Magnesium chloride should be stored in a cool, ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment.
• Anhydrous magnesium chloride due to its own nature is stable, storage conditions are relatively loose, but also need to pay attention to moisture and dust.

1. Transportation

• Because magnesium chloride and anhydrous magnesium chloride are easy to absorb moisture, transportation should avoid humid environment, can use moisture-proof packaging.
• Anhydrous magnesium chloride due to the particle finer, the transport volume of large need to use special packaging to prevent deliquescence.

6. selection recommendations

In practical applications, users need to select suitable magnesium chloride or anhydrous magnesium chloride according to specific requirements. Anhydrous magnesium chloride is a better choice if a stable, water-absorbing substance is desired, whereas magnesium chloride is more suitable if a soluble, water-treatment application is desired.

7. summary

Magnesium chloride and anhydrous magnesium chloride are two substances that are chemically similar but have different uses. Magnesium chloride colorless powder solid, easy to absorb water and carbon dioxide; and anhydrous magnesium chloride is a white crystalline solid, higher stability, larger surface area. Both have their own characteristics in industrial production, and the choice needs to be weighed according to specific needs.

Through the analysis of this article, it is hoped that readers can better understand the difference between magnesium chloride and anhydrous magnesium chloride, and make the right choice in practical application to improve production efficiency and product quality.