Production and application of anhydrous magnesium sulfate

Anhydrous magnesium sulfate, chemical name magnesium sulfate, molecular formula MgSO4, is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic crystal. The production method mainly uses the reaction of magnesium and sulfuric acid to obtain anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Due to its strong hygroscopicity, attention needs to be paid in the production and storage process, and it also has some important applications.

1、 Production method

The production method of anhydrous magnesium sulfate can be carried out in the following two ways:

1. Ammonium magnesium alum method

Ammonium magnesium alum is a mineral containing magnesium and ammonium salts, consisting of MgSO4.7H2O and NH4Al (SO4) 2.12H2O. It is often used to produce anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The preparation process of ammonium magnesium alum is to react sandstone at high temperature to obtain magnesium oxide, and then react with sulfuric acid to obtain magnesium sulfate. Then, magnesium sulfate is reacted with ammonium salt to obtain ammonium magnesium alum, and finally, water is added to boil to decompose the ammonium magnesium alum to obtain anhydrous magnesium sulfate.

2. Sulfuric acid leaching magnesium method

sulfuric acid leaching method involves adding magnesium rods or powders to concentrated sulfuric acid for reaction to obtain a magnesium sulfate solution, which is then evaporated to obtain anhydrous magnesium sulfate. This method is suitable for small-scale production, but requires strict control of reaction temperature and time to avoid problems such as excessive dissolution of magnesium or bubble retention.

2、 Application

Anhydrous magnesium sulfate is a common inorganic compound with various applications:

1. Pharmaceutical industry

Anhydrous magnesium sulfate can be used as a medicinal raw material for treating pain, anti-inflammatory, anti infection and other diseases. For example, Epsom salt is a medicinal substance containing anhydrous magnesium sulfate, widely used in fields such as alleviating muscle fatigue and promoting wound healing.

2. Agriculture

Anhydrous magnesium sulfate can be used as an important component of fertilizers for plant growth and nutrient supplementation. It can not only increase the photosynthetic capacity of plants, but also promote the growth of plant buds and leaves, making it an ideal fertilizer.

3. Chemical industry

Anhydrous magnesium sulfate can be used as a raw material for chemical synthesis, such as preparing organic magnesium reagents through it, and can also be used for the production of metallic magnesium.

4. Other fields

Anhydrous magnesium sulfate can also be used as a solvent dye, as well as a control agent for industrial wastewater treatment, electroplating materials, and crystallization prevention. In addition, anhydrous magnesium sulfate also has certain applications in the preparation of natural sponges and hardened plastics.

3、 Suggestions

When producing and using anhydrous magnesium sulfate, the following points need to be noted:

1. Ensure that the environment for storing anhydrous magnesium sulfate is dry and avoid moisture and deterioration.

2. During the preparation process of anhydrous magnesium sulfate, it is necessary to operate in a molten state and strictly master the operating techniques and reaction temperature.

3. Anhydrous magnesium sulfate should not be overused. It should be used according to product instructions or professional advice to avoid pollution to the environment or harm to human health.

Summary: Anhydrous magnesium sulfate is a highly functional inorganic compound that can be applied in multiple fields. Its production and application also require strict adherence to standard operations in order to achieve significant benefits.