Magnesium chloride hexahydrate
Description
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (CAS 7791-18-6), commonly referenced as MgCl2·6H2O, is the hydrated crystalline form of magnesium chloride used across industrial, agricultural, and food-grade applications.
It functions primarily as a mineral source, coagulant, and pH-buffering agent in processes requiring soluble magnesium delivery. In food manufacturing, it acts as a coagulant for tofu and soy-based products.
It also serves as a magnesium fortification source in functional foods and beverages. Water treatment operations use it to support flocculation and pH adjustment in both municipal and industrial effluent systems.
In oil and gas drilling, it serves as a dense brine component for well completion and workover fluids where controlled density and low formation damage are priorities for the operator.
Agricultural applications include soil conditioning and foliar magnesium supplementation to correct deficiencies in magnesium-depleted crops. This ensures optimal growth and yield in various farming environments.
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is supplied as white crystalline flakes or granules, with liquid brine solutions also available for bulk industrial use. Recognized grades include food-grade (FCC).
Other available standards include pharmaceutical-grade (USP/BP) and technical-grade for industrial processes. Purity levels and packaging formats vary significantly by the specific grade required.
Food and pharma specifications require tighter limits on heavy metals and impurities. This ensures the material meets the rigorous safety standards necessary for human consumption and medical applications.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 111 °C |
| Density | 1.56 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Color | White to slightly gray |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | Solid |
| Water Solubility | 2350 g/L (20 ºC) |
| pH | 4.5-7.0 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -1.380 (est) |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 28273100 |
| Storage Class | 13 - Non Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Documentation
Other Names
MgCl2.6H2O|Magnesium chloride hydrate|Magnesium chloride|MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE [MI]|MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE [WHO-DD]|RefChem:800503
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