How To Dissolve Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is the chemical compound with the formula MgCl2. It is an inorganic salt, which is highly soluble in water. This salt is commonly used as a de-icer agent; the solution of magnesium chloride is sprayed on the road pavement to prevent snow and ice adhering. This compound is also used in biochemistry as well as in some cooking recipes. The concentration of the dissolved magnesium chloride is usually expressed with the percent units–10 percent solution, for example.

Step 1

Calculate the mass of magnesium chloride required to prepare the solution using the following equation: mass (MgCl2) / (mass (MgCl2) + mass (water) = percent concentration. For example, to make 400 ml of solution with the salt concentration of 10 percent you need: mass (MgCl2) = (400 x 0.1) / (1 – 0.1) = 44.44 grams. Note that 0.1 is 10 percent in the decimal form.

Step 2

Weigh the computed amount of magnesium chloride on the scale.

Step 3

Pour water (400 ml in this example) into a beaker.

Step 4

Add magnesium chloride (44.44 g in this example) to the water in the beaker.

Step 5

Stir the solution using a spoon until the salt completely dissolves.