How to check Magnesium carbonate

Magnesium carbonate is a kind of white granular powder; odorless, almost tasteless. Magnesium carbonate is almost insoluble in water, but can make the water into a weak alkaline, not soluble in ethanol, can bubble dissolved in dilute acid.

The classical differential method：

Take proper amount of magnesium carbonate (CAS NO: 13717-00-5), with dilute hydrochloric acid or bubble dissolution, reaction solution of magnesium salt (Chinese Pharmacopoeia 1995 two Appendix III).

Chloride identification：

Taking 0.2g magnesium carbonate, plus nitric acid 0.4ml and the amount of water to dissolve, to check the (Chinese Pharmacopoeia 1995 edition two appendix VIII A), compared with the standard was prepared from sodium chloride solution 7.0ml, not more concentrated (0.035%).

Sulfate identification：

Taking magnesium carbonate with hydrochloric acid 0.1g, 1ml and amount of water dissolved, diluted with water to 25ml, then 10ml solution, according to inspection (Chinese Pharmacopoeia 1995 two appendix VIII B), compared with standard potassium sulfate solution was prepared from 3.0ml, and not more concentrated (0.75%).

Calcium oxide identification：

Taking magnesium carbonate is about 1g, accurately weighed, according to method of magnesium oxide under the (Chinese Pharmacopoeia 1995 two 733 pages containing calcium oxide) examination, shall not exceed 0.6%.

Soluble salts identification：

Taking 1g magnesium carbonate, add 50ml of water, boil 5 minutes, filtration, the filtrate is evaporated to dryness on the water bath, and drying at 105 deg.c for 1 hours, remaining residue shall not be too 10mg.

Identification of hydrochloride：

Taking 2g magnesium carbonate, add 75ml of water, then add a small amount of hydrochloric acid with time, added with stirring, to no longer dissolved, boil for 5 minutes, filter, filter residue is washed with water to wash, no significant response to chloride, ignition to constant weight, remaining residue shall not be too 2mg.

Iron identification：

Taking 0.25g magnesium carbonate, diluted nitric acid 5ml, boil for 1 minutes, let cool, dilute with water to 35ml, to check the (Chinese Pharmacopoeia 1995 edition two appendix VIII G), compared with standard iron solution was prepared from 5.0ml, shall not be deeper (0.02%).

Identification of heavy metals：

Taking 0.5g magnesium carbonate with dilute hydrochloric acid, 5ml and 10ml of water, boil 5 minutes, cooling, filtration, the filtrate with phenolphthalein indicator solution 1 drops of ammonia solution to the solution and amount of light red, light and acetate buffer (pH3.5) 2ml and the amount of water to 25ml, 0.5g and ascorbic acid, dissolved, inspection in accordance with law (Chinese Pharmacopoeia 1995 edition two appendix VIII H first law), placed 5 minutes than color, containing heavy metals shall not exceed thirty ppm.

Identification of arsenic salt：

Taking 0.4g magnesium carbonate with hydrochloric acid, 5ml and water 23ml, dissolved, according to inspection (Chinese Pharmacopoeia 1995 two appendix VIII J first law), should accord with the regulations (0.0005%).

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Where we need Magnesium carbonate

Magnesium carbonate, MgCO3, is an inorganic salt that is a white solid, it’s CAS NO is  13717-00-5.Several hydrated and basic forms of magnesium carbonate also exist as minerals. The most common magnesium carbonate forms are the anhydrous salt called magnesite and the di, tri, and pentahydrates known as barringtonite, nesquehonite, and lansfordite, respectively. Some basic forms such as artinite, hydromagnesite, and dypingite also occur as minerals.

Magnesite consists of white trigonal crystals. The anhydrous salt is practically insoluble in water, acetone, and ammonia. All forms of magnesium carbonate react in acids. Magnesium carbonate crystallizes in the calcite structure where in Mg2+ is surrounded by six oxygen atoms. The dihydrate one has a triclinic structure, while the trihydrate has a monoclinic structure.

After telling the basic knowledge about Magnesium carbonate, we will tall about the uses of Magnesium carbonate in three different aspects, from food additive, hand chalk to dietary uses.

1. Food additive

Many foods and consumable substances contain magnesium carbonate. In 1911, the Morton Salt company mixed salt with magnesium carbonate, which resulted in a product that no longer became clumpy in humid weather. Magnesium carbonate's water-absorbing property is the reason for this. This discovery lead to the inclusion of magnesium carbonate into countless particulates, such as ground spices, sugar and other food ingredients to prevent caking.

Because the carbonate portion can dissociate from the magnesium carbonate molecule and bind to hydrogen ions, the atoms that raise acidity, the chemical is added to some foods to control acidity. Lastly, magnesium carbonate can extend the life of food coloring in food by absorbing water that would otherwise dilute the coloring.

2. Hand chalk

Magnesium carbonate's hygroscopic property makes it useful as more than just a food additive. Pure magnesium carbonate is a solid, white chalk that many people use on a daily basis. Athletes in various fields use this chalk as a drying agent to enhance their grip and improve their performance. The white hands of a gymnast as she dashes magnesium carbonate on her palms before a routine is a familiar sight for anyone who watches the Olympics. Magnesium carbonate chalk is commonly used by weightlifters and billiards players as well.

3. Dietary uses

Because of its alkaline nature, magnesium carbonate can be consumed as an antacid by people who have problems with indigestion and heartburn. In large doses, magnesium carbonate goes from antacid to laxative and can therefore be used to combat constipation as well. In animal medicine, magnesium sulfate has been used to successfully treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. 

In his 1954 paper published in the Canadian Journal of Comparative Medicine and Veterinary Science, Dr. G.W. Henderson describes his use of magnesium carbonate in the treatment of calves. These calves suffered from everything from the scours--neonatal diarrhea common in newborn bovines--to fevers and constipation. In each case, Dr. Henderson fed the calves food supplemented with magnesium carbonate, which resulted in the alleviation of their symptoms

Frankie is the freelance writer for e-commerce website in the chemistry. Guidechem.com is just a place for you to look for some chemicals. Our guidechem provide the most convenient conditions for the international buyers and let these leads benefit all the business people. Guidechem chemical B2B network provides information on china and global chemical market quotation and relative chemical Information. Guidechem Chemical Network providing the most complete information of the chemical industry.dkjfghksdkh