Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Monoxide, Heavy, Light, Calcined Magnesia, E530, 1309-48-4

Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Monoxide, Heavy, Light, Calcined Magnesia, E530, 1309-48-4

MAGNESIUM OXIDE (MgO)

Magnesia / Calcined Magnesia / Periclase / E530

CAS Number: 1309-48-4

EC Number: 215-171-9

1. IDENTIFICATION

2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

3. TYPES & GRADES OF MAGNESIUM OXIDE

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Reaction with Water (Hydration):

MgO + H₂O → Mg(OH)₂ + Heat (slow, exothermic)

Reaction with Acids (Neutralization):

MgO + 2 HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂O

Reaction with Carbon Dioxide:

MgO + CO₂ → MgCO₃

5. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equations:

Magnesite Route: MgCO₃ + Heat → MgO + CO₂↑
Seawater Route: MgCl₂ + Ca(OH)₂ → Mg(OH)₂↓ + CaCl₂
                Mg(OH)₂ + Heat → MgO + H₂O

6. APPLICATIONS

6.1. Refractory & Metallurgy (Largest Use – ~40%)

6.2. Construction Industry

6.3. Agriculture

6.4. Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical

6.5. Food Industry (E530)

6.6. Oil & Gas Industry

6.7. Cosmetics & Personal Care

6.8. Chemical Industry

6.9. Water & Wastewater Treatment

6.10. Ceramics & Glass Industry

7. TRADE NAMES & PRODUCT CODES

8. QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

9. STORAGE & HANDLING

10. SAFETY & HEALTH INFORMATION

GHS Classification

Hazard Statements (H-Codes)

Precautionary Statements (P-Codes)

Toxicological Information

First Aid Measures

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

11. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

12. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

13. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

14. REGULATORY INFORMATION

15. SYNONYMS & OTHER NAMES

16. COMPARISON: LIGHT MgO vs HEAVY MgO

17. SECTORAL COMPATIBILITY

18. SUMMARY

Magnesium Oxide (MgO, CAS 1309-48-4, E530) is a white, hygroscopic powder with a very high melting point (~2,800°C). It exists in light and heavy forms, as well as different calcination grades (caustic calcined, dead burned, electro fused).

Key Features:

Main Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• EYE DAMAGE – Causes serious eye damage

• SKIN IRRITANT – Causes skin irritation

• HYGROSCOPIC – Absorbs moisture (light form)

• ALKALINE – pH ~10.3 in solution

• HANDLE WITH PPE – Use gloves, goggles, dust mask

19. IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Light vs Heavy MgO: Light MgO (0.2-0.4 g/cm³) is produced at lower calcination temperatures (700-1,000°C), has high surface area and reactivity, and is used in pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals. Heavy MgO (0.8-1.2 g/cm³) is produced at higher temperatures (>1,500°C), has low surface area and reactivity, and is used in refractories and ceramics.

2. Dead Burned MgO (DBM): Calcined at >1,500°C, DBM has very low reactivity and is used as refractory lining for steel furnaces. Electro Fused MgO (EFM) is produced at >2,800°C and has the highest purity and density.

3. Hydration Sensitivity: Light MgO absorbs moisture rapidly, converting to magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)₂. Store in tightly sealed containers. Heavy MgO is less sensitive.

4. Reaction with Acids: MgO is a strong base (pH ~10.3 in saturated solution). It neutralizes acids effectively, making it suitable for antacid formulations and wastewater neutralization.

5. E530 – Food Additive: Magnesium oxide is approved as food additive E530 (anti-caking agent, acidity regulator). It is used in powdered foods, salt, spices, and cocoa powder.

6. Pharmaceutical Use: MgO is used as an antacid (neutralizes stomach acid) and as a laxative (osmotic effect). It is also used as a magnesium supplement for treating magnesium deficiency.

7. Magnesia Cement (Sorel Cement): MgO reacts with magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) solution to form magnesium oxychloride cement, which has high strength and fire resistance.

8. Bioavailability: Magnesium oxide has lower bioavailability compared to other magnesium salts (citrate, glycinate). It is effective as an antacid and laxative but may not be the best choice for systemic magnesium replenishment.

9. Animal Feed: Magnesium oxide is used in livestock feed to prevent grass tetany (hypomagnesemia) in cattle, especially during spring grazing.

10. Storage: Light MgO is highly hygroscopic. Store in airtight containers to prevent hydration. Heavy MgO and dead burned MgO are more stable and require less stringent storage.

20. REFERENCES & DISCLAIMER

References:

• ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) – Information Card 100.013.783

• FDA 21 CFR 184.1431 (Magnesium oxide – GRAS)

• EFSA – Food Additive E530 Evaluation

• USP (United States Pharmacopeia) – Magnesium Oxide Monograph

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. The information contained in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable based on current knowledge, but no warranty or liability is accepted. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application.