Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄) 7487-88-9

Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄) is an inorganic salt occurring naturally in seawater, mineral springs, and deposits such as kieserite and epsomite. It is commonly available as the heptahydrate (MgSO₄·7H₂O, Epsom salt) or in anhydrous form. It is highly soluble in water and widely used in agriculture, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.

Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄·7H₂O) contains seven water molecules and has approximately 9.9% magnesium content. It is the most common commercial form, ideal for agriculture, feed, and pharmaceutical use. The anhydrous form (MgSO₄) contains no crystal water, has higher magnesium content (approximately 20%), and is highly hygroscopic, readily absorbing moisture from the air. It is commonly used as a desiccant in organic synthesis.

Magnesium sulfate is used in agriculture to correct magnesium deficiency in soil. Magnesium is an essential element in the chlorophyll molecule, and deficiency leads to yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. It is most commonly applied to magnesium-demanding crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, roses, and citrus. Its high solubility makes magnesium immediately available to plants.

Magnesium sulfate is widely used in pharmaceuticals as an electrolyte replenisher and for managing magnesium deficiency. Epsom salt is commonly used in bath salts and foot soaks for soothing muscles. It is also used in flotation therapy where high concentrations increase water buoyancy. Pharmaceutical-grade magnesium sulfate meets USP and BP standards.

Anhydrous magnesium sulfate is primarily used as a desiccant in organic synthesis to remove water from organic solutions during chemical workup. In the food industry, it serves as a coagulant in tofu production. It is also used in textile manufacturing, paper production, fireproofing, and personal care product formulations.