Composition of the Compound

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 117 views

Introduction

In chemistry, compounds are formed when two or more different elements combine in a fixed ratio by mass. In this article, we will discuss a compound that consists of $25.5\%$ magnesium and $74.5\%$ chlorine by mass. We will explore the properties of this compound, its composition, and the chemical reactions it undergoes.

Composition of the Compound

The compound in question is a binary compound, meaning it consists of two elements: magnesium (Mg) and chlorine (Cl). The percentage composition of the compound is given as $25.5\%$ magnesium and $74.5\%$ chlorine by mass. This means that for every 100 grams of the compound, 25.5 grams are magnesium and 74.5 grams are chlorine.

Chemical Formula

To determine the chemical formula of the compound, we need to find the simplest whole-number ratio of magnesium to chlorine. We can do this by dividing the percentage composition of each element by its atomic mass.

The atomic mass of magnesium is 24.305 g/mol, and the atomic mass of chlorine is 35.453 g/mol. Let's calculate the number of moles of each element in 100 grams of the compound:

Magnesium: 25.5 g / 24.305 g/mol = 1.048 mol
Chlorine: 74.5 g / 35.453 g/mol = 2.100 mol

Now, we can find the simplest whole-number ratio of magnesium to chlorine by dividing the number of moles of each element by the smallest number of moles:

Magnesium: 1.048 mol / 1.048 mol = 1
Chlorine: 2.100 mol / 1.048 mol = 2

Therefore, the chemical formula of the compound is MgCl2.

Properties of the Compound

The compound MgCl2 is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It has a melting point of 714°C and a boiling point of 1412°C. The compound is also highly reactive and can undergo various chemical reactions.

Chemical Reactions

MgCl2 can undergo several chemical reactions, including:

Reaction with water: MgCl2 reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid: MgCl2 + 2H2O → Mg(OH)2 + 2HCl
Reaction with acids: MgCl2 reacts with acids to form magnesium salts and hydrogen gas: MgCl2 + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2
Reaction with bases: MgCl2 reacts with bases to form magnesium salts and water: MgCl2 + 2NaOH → Mg(OH)2 + 2NaCl

Conclusion

In conclusion, the compound MgCl2 consists of $25.5\%$ magnesium and $74.5\%$ chlorine by mass. Its chemical formula is MgCl2, and it has a white crystalline solid appearance. The compound is highly soluble in water and can undergo various chemical reactions. Its properties and reactions make it an important compound in various industrial and laboratory applications.

Applications of the Compound

MgCl2 has several applications in various industries, including:

Water treatment: MgCl2 is used as a coagulant in water treatment plants to remove impurities and improve water quality.
Pharmaceuticals: MgCl2 is used as an excipient in some pharmaceutical products to improve their stability and bioavailability.
Food industry: MgCl2 is used as a food additive to improve the texture and flavor of food products.
Laboratory applications: MgCl2 is used as a reagent in various laboratory experiments to study chemical reactions and properties.

Safety Precautions

MgCl2 is a highly reactive compound and should be handled with care. It can cause skin irritation and eye damage if not handled properly. It is also highly soluble in water, which can lead to corrosion of equipment and surfaces.

Conclusion

$In conclusion, MgCl2 is a compound that consists of $25.5\%$ magnesium and $74.5\%$ chlorine by mass. Its chemical formula is MgCl2, and it has a white crystalline solid appearance. The compound is highly soluble in water and can undergo various chemical reactions. Its properties and reactions make it an important compound in various industrial and laboratory applications. However, it should be handled with care due to its high reactivity and potential to cause skin irritation and eye damage.<br/> **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MgCl2**$

Q: What is the chemical formula of MgCl2?

A: The chemical formula of MgCl2 is magnesium chloride, which consists of one magnesium atom and two chlorine atoms.

Q: What is the percentage composition of MgCl2?

A: The percentage composition of MgCl2 is $25.5\%$ magnesium and $74.5\%$ chlorine by mass.

Q: What are the physical properties of MgCl2?

A: MgCl2 is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It has a melting point of 714°C and a boiling point of 1412°C.

Q: What are the chemical properties of MgCl2?

A: MgCl2 is a highly reactive compound that can undergo various chemical reactions, including reactions with water, acids, and bases.

Q: What are the applications of MgCl2?

A: MgCl2 has several applications in various industries, including water treatment, pharmaceuticals, food industry, and laboratory applications.

Q: Is MgCl2 safe to handle?

A: MgCl2 is a highly reactive compound and should be handled with care. It can cause skin irritation and eye damage if not handled properly.

Q: Can MgCl2 be used as a food additive?

A: Yes, MgCl2 is used as a food additive to improve the texture and flavor of food products.

Q: Can MgCl2 be used in water treatment?

A: Yes, MgCl2 is used as a coagulant in water treatment plants to remove impurities and improve water quality.

Q: Is MgCl2 a good reagent for laboratory experiments?

A: Yes, MgCl2 is a good reagent for laboratory experiments to study chemical reactions and properties.

Q: Can MgCl2 be used in pharmaceuticals?

A: Yes, MgCl2 is used as an excipient in some pharmaceutical products to improve their stability and bioavailability.

Q: What are the precautions to take when handling MgCl2?

A: When handling MgCl2, it is essential to wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles, and to handle the compound in a well-ventilated area.

Q: Can MgCl2 be stored at room temperature?

A: No, MgCl2 should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation and to minimize the risk of accidents.

Q: Is MgCl2 a hazardous substance?

A: Yes, MgCl2 is a hazardous substance that can cause skin irritation and eye damage if not handled properly.

Q: Can MgCl2 be disposed of in the regular trash?

A: No, MgCl2 should be disposed of according to local regulations and guidelines to prevent environmental contamination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MgCl2 is a highly reactive compound that has several applications in various industries. However, it should be handled with care due to its potential to cause skin irritation and eye damage. It is essential to follow proper safety precautions and to dispose of the compound according to local regulations and guidelines.