10377-60-3

  • Chemical Name: Magnesium Nitrate
  • Molecular Formula: Mg(NO₃)₂
  • Molecular Weight: 148.32 g/mol (anhydrous)
  • CAS Number: 10377-60-3 (anhydrous); 13446-18-9 (hexahydrate); 15750-45-5 (dihydrate)
  • EINECS Number: 233-245-9

Physical Properties

  • Appearance: White crystalline solid; hygroscopic .
  • Density:
    • Anhydrous: 2.3 g/cm³ .
    • Dihydrate: 1.45 g/cm³.
    • Hexahydrate: 1.46 g/cm³.
  • Melting Point:
    • Anhydrous: 129°C.
    • Hexahydrate: Decomposes at about 100°C.
  • Boiling Point: Decomposes at 330°C.
  • Solubility: Very soluble in water and moderately soluble in ethanol .

Chemical Properties

  • Oxidizing Agent: Strong oxidizer; can accelerate combustion and cause explosions when mixed with organic materials or reducing agents .
  • Decomposition:
    • Anhydrous Mg(NO₃)₂ decomposes to form magnesium oxide (MgO) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) when heated.
    • Hexahydrate decomposes to form basic nitrates, which further decompose at 400°C to form MgO and nitrogen oxides.
  • Reactivity: Forms explosive mixtures with reducing agents like phosphorus, tin(II) chloride, and alkyl esters.

Uses

  • Pyrotechnics: Used in fireworks and explosives .
  • Concentration of Nitric Acid: Used to remove water and concentrate nitric acid vapors to 90-95% HNO₃.
  • Agriculture: Used as a nitrogenous fertilizer with 10.5% nitrogen and 9.4% magnesium.
  • Analytical Chemistry: Used as an analytical standard for magnesium and a matrix modifier in atomic absorption spectroscopy.
  • Other Applications: Used in the production of ammonium nitrate, as a desensitizer for lithographic plates, and in the purification of nitric acid.

Preparation

Magnesium nitrate can be prepared by reacting nitric acid with magnesium carbonate, oxide, or hydroxide:

  • MgCO₃ + 2HNO₃ → Mg(NO₃)₂ + CO₂ + H₂O .
  • Mg(OH)₂ + 2HNO₃ → Mg(NO₃)₂ + 2H₂O .

Safety and Hazards

  • Health Risks: Causes mild irritation to mucous membranes; ingestion may cause dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, and convulsions .
  • Fire and Explosion Risk: Strong oxidizer; contact with organic materials or reducing agents can cause fires or explosions .
  • Storage and Handling: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from combustible materials and reducing agents.

Environmental Considerations

  • Toxicity: Decomposition produces toxic nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) fumes.
  • Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local regulations to avoid environmental contamination.

Packing and shipping