Magnesium Hydroxide: Overview, Questions, Preparation

This chapter has multiple topics listed below:

Acids, Bases and Salts Acid Strength Difference between Acid and Bas...Examples of Bases Zinc carbonate Zinc Nitrate Aluminium Phosphate Aspartic Acid Butyric Acid Tannic acid Uses of Folic Acid Uses of Acetic Acid Lactic Acid formula Uses of Citric Acid Magnesium Nitrate Barium Iodide Dilute Acids Magnesium Phosphate Uses of Hydrochloric Acid List of Strong Acids Butanoic Acid Sodium Chlorate Barium Carbonate Chloroacetic Acid Magnesium Bicarbonate Red Cabbage Indicator Sodium Hexametaphosphate Zinc Hydroxide Potassium Iodate Peroxydisulfuric Acid Ph of Acids and Bases Potassium Bromate Weak Acid Examples Weak Bases Magnesium Hydroxide Monosodium Glutamate Potassium Hydroxide Nitrous Acid Henderson Hasselbalch Equation Difference between Alkali and B...Properties of Bases Sodium Citrate Ammonium Phosphate Chemical Indicators Chromic Acid Perchloric Acid Uses of Sodium Hydroxide Zinc Acetate

Yamini Saini

Updated on Jun 30, 2021 05:11 IST

A white substance that does not dissolve well in water is magnesium hydroxide. The white floating particles settle towards the bottom of the jar after standing for a while. Magnesium hydroxide is part of medicine known as magnesium milk. Because of the milky look, the name' milk' is used.

Table of Contents

Preparation of Hydroxide Magnesium
Uses of Magnesium Hydroxide
Illustrated Examples
FAQs on Magnesium Hydroxide

Preparation of Hydroxide Magnesium

When alkaline water is combined with magnesium salts’ solution, it initiates the process of precipitation of solid magnesium hydroxide. The reaction takes place as follows:

Mg2+ + 2 OH− → Mg(OH)2

It is generated commercially through the treatment of lime and seawater. From 600 m3 of seawater, approximately one tonne of magnesium hydroxide is derived. Calcium hydroxide in magnesium hydroxide is more soluble, so Mg(OH)2 precipitates as a solid. The reaction takes place as follows:

MgO + H2O → Mg(OH)2

Uses of Magnesium Hydroxide

In various life processes, magnesium is an essential element that acts as a catalyst. Other than photosynthesis, it is also necessary for the oxidation of energy-producing animal cells and the production of healthy red blood cells. Magnesia milk is an alkaline (basic) water suspension as well as creamy as a suspended form of magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2. Magnesia milk is an alkaline (basic) water suspension and creamy as a suspended form of magnesium hydroxide. It is used for the neutralisation of excess acid in the stomach in the form of an antacid. Magnesium can also be used in the form of Epsom salts to treat rashes and as a laxative.

Magnesium Hydroxide in Class 10:

In Class 10, Acids, Bases, and Salts, you will get to learn about magnesium hydroxide and its basic properties. Weightage is 5 marks.

Magnesium Hydroxide in Class 11:

In Class 11, in some basic concepts of chemistry and under the s-block element, you will get to learn about it in detail. The weightage of this chapter is 6 marks.

Magnesium Hydroxide in Class 12:

In Class 12, in many chapters, you will have to learn about the different reactions under which it undergoes.

Illustrated Examples

Why is magnesium hydroxide known as magnesium milk?

Because of its milk-like appearance, water is often called magnesia milk. As the dissociation of this tiny amount of dissolved magnesium hydroxide is completed, a strong electrolyte is considered to be magnesium hydroxide. Its low solubility makes it a base that is weak.

What are the uses of hydroxy magnesium?

Magnesium hydroxide is used on a short-term basis to treat occasional constipation in children and adults. A class of drugs called saline laxatives contains magnesium hydroxide. This works by allowing the stool to absorb water.

Why is the milk of magnesia used as an antacid?

Magnesia milk is used in antacids because it consists of magnesium hydroxide, which neutralises the stomach's excess hydrochloric acid, thus reducing acidity. The accumulation of toxic levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes acidity that destroys the stomach's inner walls, creating painful wounds. Hence, to treat acidity, antacids are used.

FAQs on Magnesium Hydroxide

Q. What does magnesium hydroxide mean?

A. The inorganic compound with the chemical formula Mg(OH) 2 is magnesium hydroxide. In nature, it occurs as the mineral brucite. Magnesium hydroxide, like magnesia milk, is a common ingredient in antacids, as well as laxatives.

Q. For what reason is magnesium hydroxide used?

A. Magnesium hydroxide is used on a short-term basis to treat occasional constipation in children and adults.

Q. What is the Magnesium Hydroxide pH value?

A. T he base is magnesium hydroxide. It has a pH of approx. 10. Typically, magnesium hydroxide is called magnesium milk.

Q. Is magnesium good for digestion?

A. Magnesium citrate mixed with citric acid is just magnesium. For constipation and digestion, it is one of the better magnesium supplements, since it can induce loose stools or serve as a natural laxative.

Q. Is it possible to use magnesium hydroxide on your skin?

A. It is a potent irritant and, if swallowed, is corrosive to the skin, teeth, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal system.