Description
Magnesium oxide (MgO), or magnesia, is a white hygroscopic solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase and is a source of magnesium (see also oxide). It has an empirical formula of MgO and consists of a lattice of Mg2+ ions and O2− ions held together by ionic bonding. Magnesium hydroxide forms in the presence of water (MgO + H₂O → Mg(OH)2), but it can be reversed by heating it to separate moisture.Magnesium oxide was historically known as magnesia alba (literally, the white mineral from magnesia – other sources give magnesia alba as MgCO3), to differentiate it from magnesia negra, a black mineral containing what is now known as manganese.While “magnesium oxide” normally refers to MgO, magnesium peroxide MgO2 is also known as a compound. According to evolutionary crystal structure prediction, MgO2 is thermodynamically stable at pressures above 116 GPa (gigapascals), and a totally new semiconducting suboxide Mg3O2 is thermodynamically stable above 500 GPa. Because of its stability, MgO is used as a model system for investigating vibrational properties of crystals.
Synonyms
MAGNESIUM PERMANGANATE HYDRATE;Ethanedioic acid,magnesium salt;Magnesiumoxalatedihydrate;magnesium oxalate;magnesium oxalate dihydrate,puratronic
InChI Key
CPLXHLVBOLITMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Solubility
dil. acids, ammonium salt solns.
Appearance
White or light grey powder
Storage
Magnesium oxide is stable at normal temperatures and pressures.
However, it forms magnesium hydroxide in the presence of water.
Magnesium oxide is hygroscopic and rapidly absorbs water and
carbon dioxide on exposure to the air, the light form more readily
than the heavy form.
The bulk material should be stored in an airtight container in a
cool, dry place.Storage temperature: no restrictions.
Assay
≥99.9% trace metals basis
Physical State
White Powder
Semiconductor Properties
<100>
Specific Surface Area
170.0 m2/g
Stability
Stable. Incompatible with bromine trifluoride, bromine trichloride, phosphorus pentachloride.