Magnesium Sulphate Extra Pure
Magnesium Sulphate Extra Pure is a high-purity, inorganic compound commonly appearing as a white crystalline powder or granules. It is primarily valued in laboratories for its role as a source of magnesium ions in chemical analysis and biological experiments. This compound is widely used in buffer preparation, dehydration processes, and precipitation reactions due to its excellent solubility in water. In addition to lab applications, it also serves purposes in pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics, and agriculture as a magnesium supplement. Its extra pure grade ensures minimal impurities, making it suitable for sensitive research and analytical tasks.
Magnesium Sulphate Extra Pure
Primary Laboratory Uses:
- Reagent in Analytical Chemistry:
- Used in qualitative and quantitative analysis, especially in the detection of calcium and other ions.
- Desiccant in Organic Synthesis:
- Anhydrous magnesium sulphate is commonly used as a drying agent to remove water from organic solvents.
- Preparation of Standard Solutions:
- Used in making buffer or standard solutions for laboratory tests and calibration.
Secondary Laboratory Uses:
- Component in Culture Media:
- Provides essential magnesium ions in microbiological and plant tissue culture media.
- Study of Osmosis and Diffusion:
- Used in biology experiments to study the effects of solute concentration on cell function.
- Educational Demonstrations:
- Employed in school experiments to demonstrate crystallization, hydration, and salt properties.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Magnesium Sulphate
- Synonyms: Epsom salt (when hydrated), Magnesium sulfate
- CAS Number: 7487-88-9 (anhydrous) / 10034-99-8 (heptahydrate)
- Molecular Formula: MgSO₄ (anhydrous) / MgSO₄·7H₂O (heptahydrate)
- Molecular Weight:
- Anhydrous: 120.37 g/mol
- Heptahydrate: 246.47 g/mol
- Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
- Odor: Odorless
- Solubility: Soluble in water; insoluble in ethanol
- Grade: Extra Pure
- Physical Form: Powder or crystals
2. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under normal lab use
- Hazard Statements: Not typically hazardous
- Precautionary Statements:
- P264: Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Lab coat
- Protective gloves (nitrile or latex)
- Safety goggles
- First Aid Measures:
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if discomfort persists
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water
- Eye Contact: Rinse with clean water for several minutes
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; consult a physician if large amounts swallowed
- Fire Hazards:
- Not flammable
- Use extinguishing media suitable for surrounding materials
3. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated area
- Keep container tightly closed
- Avoid exposure to moisture (especially for anhydrous form)
- Handling Tips:
- Handle in a clean, dry environment
- Prevent contamination with incompatible materials (e.g., strong acids or alkalis)
4. Laboratory Applications
- Primary Uses:
- Reagent in analytical chemistry (especially for gravimetric analysis)
- Precipitation reactions for studying solubility rules
- Preparation of magnesium-based reagents and solutions
- Secondary Uses:
- Growth media additive in microbiology and plant tissue culture
- Osmotic stabilizer in biological and physiological experiments
- Drying agent in organic synthesis (anhydrous form)
- Demonstration of hydrated vs. anhydrous salts in teaching
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear a lab coat, nitrile gloves, and protective goggles.
- Use a dust mask or ensure local ventilation to avoid inhaling fine particles.
Handling:
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
- Prevent formation of dust and avoid inhalation.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Storage:
- Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
- Keep the container tightly closed to avoid moisture absorption.
- Protect from incompatible substances such as strong acids or alkalis.
FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation:
- Move the person to fresh air.
- Seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult or symptoms persist.
Skin Contact:
- Wash affected area with soap and water.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Get medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact:
- Rinse cautiously with clean water for several minutes.
- Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
- Continue rinsing and seek medical attention if discomfort persists.
Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Seek medical attention if large quantities are ingested or symptoms occur.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flammability:
- Not flammable under normal conditions.
Extinguishing Media:
- Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚ for surrounding materials.
- No special extinguishing media required for the substance itself.
Hazardous Combustion Products:
- May emit sulfur oxides (SOx) under extreme heating or decomposition.
Firefighter Protection:
- Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing if involved in a fire.