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.
- Calculator
- Scale
- Beaker
- Spoon
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.
Weigh the computed amount of magnesium chloride on the scale.
Pour water (400 ml in this example) into a beaker.
Add magnesium chloride (44.44 g in this example) to the water in the beaker.
Stir the solution using a spoon until the salt completely dissolves.
Things You'll Need
References
- Material Safety Data Sheet: Magnesium Chloride
- "Chemistry: Textbook"; Raymond Chang; 2007
About the Author
Oxana Fox is a freelance writer specializing in medicine and treatment, computer software and hardware, digital photography and financial services. She graduated from Moscow Medical College in 1988 with formal training in pediatrics.
Photo Credits
Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images