Magnesium oxide (chemical formula: MgO), also known as magnesia, is an oxide of magnesium, an ionic compound; a white solid at room temperature; magnesium oxide exists in nature in the form of magnesite.
Properties
Magnesium oxide is slightly soluble in water and soluble in acid.
Magnesium oxide will act with water when crushed to form magnesium hydroxide:
MgO + H2O → Mg(OH)2
Pharmacology
Magnesium oxide is an electrolyte replenishing drug, because L-aspartic acid has a strong affinity for cells, as a carrier of potassium and magnesium ions, it can increase the concentration of K+ and Mg2+ in cells.
Efficacy
Magnesium oxide is used in medical treatment:
Used in the treatment of heartburn, stomach acidity and acid indigestion;
Used as a short-acting light laxative;
Used as a magnesium supplement;
Used for hypokalemia and arrhythmia caused by digitalis intoxication. It can also be used in the auxiliary treatment of myocarditis sequelae, chronic cardiac insufficiency and coronary heart disease.
Production method
Method of recovering magnesium oxide from a source containing magnesium salts, said method comprising the steps of:
(a) adding alkali and sulfur dioxide to said source containing magnesium salts in an extraction step to form an extraction solution containing magnesium bisulfite;
(b) Separating insoluble material from said leaching solution;
(c) Removing excess sulfur dioxide from said leachate and precipitating said magnesium as solid hydrated magnesium sulfite;
(d) separating said solid hydrated magnesium sulfite from said leachate from which the magnesium has been removed; and
(e) calcining said solid hydrated magnesium sulfite and recovering said magnesium in the form of magnesium oxide.
Harmful effects
Magnesium oxide may be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its dust or fumes.
Short-term exposure to magnesium oxide may cause mechanical irritation.
Inhalation of magnesium oxide fumes can cause metal fume disease.