Magnesium sulfate 246267 226161251 2008-07-17T02:38:12Z Montco 882433 -commercial spam {{Chembox new | Name = Magnesium sulfate | ImageFile = Magnesium sulfate anhydrous.jpg | ImageSize = 200px | ImageName = Anhydrous magnesium sulfate | IUPACName = Magnesium sulfate (anhydrous); Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate | OtherNames = Magnesium sulphate; Epsom salts; bitter salts | Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers | CASNo = 7487-88-9 | EINECS = | RTECS = }} | Section2 = {{Chembox Properties | Formula = MgSO<sub>4</sub> (anhydrous); MgSO<sub>4</sub>&middot;7H<sub>2</sub>O | Appearance = white crystalline solid | Density = 2.66 g/mL, solid | MolarMass = 120.415 g | Solubility = 25.5 g/100 ml (20 °C) | MeltingPt = 1124°C ''decomp.'' }} | Section3 = {{Chembox Structure | Coordination = | CrystalStruct = [[monoclinic]] (hydrate) }} | Section7 = {{Chembox Hazards | ExternalMSDS = [http://flinnsci.com/Documents/MSDS/M/MagSul.pdf External MSDS]}} | Section8 = {{Chembox Related | OtherCations = [[Calcium sulfate]]; [[aluminium sulfate]] | OtherCpds =}} }} '''Magnesium sulfate''' is a [[chemical compound]] containing [[magnesium]] and [[sulfate]], with the formula MgSO<sub>4</sub>. In its hydrated form the pH is 6.0 (5.5 to 7.0). It is often encountered as the heptahydrate, MgSO<sub>4</sub>·7H<sub>2</sub>O, commonly called '''Epsom salts'''. [[Anhydrous]] magnesium sulfate is used as a drying agent. Since the anhydrous form is [[hygroscopic]] (readily absorbs water from the air) and therefore harder to weigh accurately, the [[hydrate]] is often preferred when preparing solutions, for example in medical preparations. Epsom salts have traditionally been used as a component of [[bath salts]]. ==Properties== Magnesium sulfate makes an important contribution to the absorption of sound in seawater .<ref> [http://resource.npl.co.uk/acoustics/techguides/seaabsorption/physics.html Underlying physics and mechanisms for the absorption of sound in seawater]</ref> ==Applications== In [[agriculture]] and [[gardening]], magnesium sulfate is used to correct magnesium deficiency in [[soil]] (magnesium is an essential element in the [[chlorophyll]] molecule). It is most commonly applied to potted plants, or to magnesium-hungry crops, such as [[potato]]es, [[rose]]s, [[tomato]]es, and [[peppers]]. The advantage of magnesium sulfate over other magnesium [[soil amendment]]s (such as [[Dolomite|dolomitic lime]]) is its high [[solubility]]. [[Anhydrous]] magnesium sulfate is commonly used as a [[desiccant]] in organic synthesis due to its affinity for water. During [[work-up]], an organic phase is saturated with magnesium sulfate until it no longer forms clumps. The hydrated solid is then removed with filtration or decantation. Other inorganic sulfate salts such as [[sodium sulfate]] and [[calcium sulfate]] may also be used in the same way. Magnesium sulfate is used as in [[bath salts]], particularly in [[Isolation tank|flotation therapy]] where high concentrations raise the bath water's [[specific gravity]], effectively making the body more buoyant. This property is also used to restore some [[Lava lamp]]s damaged by being shaken by exchanging the water and adding drops of a concentrated solution until sustainable buoyancy is reached. Traditionally, it is also used to prepare foot baths, intended to soothe sore feet. The reason for the inclusion of the salt is partially cosmetic: the increase in ionic strength prevents some of the temporary skin wrinkling ("pruning") which is caused by prolonged immersion of extremities in pure water. However, magnesium sulfate can also be absorbed into the skin, reducing inflammation. It is also used in many bottled water ingredients. It may also be used as a coagulant for making [[tofu]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6042851.html |title=Process for producing packed tofu}}</ref> Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is also used to maintain the magnesium concentration in marine aquaria which contain large amounts of stony corals as it is slowly depleted in their calcification process. In a magnesium deficient marine aquarium calcium and alkalinity concentrations are very difficult to control because magnesium stablizes these ions in the saltwater and prevents their spontaneous precipitation into calcium carbonate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php |title=Do-It-Yourself Magnesium Supplements for the Reef Aquarium |year=2006 |publisher=Reefkeeping |accessdate=2008-03-14}}</ref> It is also recommended for [[Fish Dropsy|dropsy]] treatment for fish.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.healthybetta.com/articles/Illness%20Diagonsis/dropsy.html |title=Dropsy |year=2004 |publisher=www.healthybetta.com |accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref> An old remedy for diarrhea in adult chickens is 1/2 tsp per bird per day added to their feed. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/1974-03-01/Old-Time-Remedies.aspx |title=Old Time Remedies for Common Poultry Diseases |year=March 1974 |publisher=Mother Earth News |accessdate=2008-03-05}}</ref> ===Medical use=== {{Further|[[Hypomagnesemia]]}} Oral magnesium sulfate, or [[magnesium hydroxide]], is commonly used as a [[saline]] [[laxative]]. Epsom salts are also available in a gel form for topical application in treating aches and pains. Indications for its use are * [[Hypomagnesemia]] (low magnesium concentrations in the blood) * Magnesium sulfate is the first-line antidysrhythmic agent for [[Torsades de pointes]] in [[cardiac arrest]] under the 2005 ECC guidelines. * As a [[bronchodilator]] after beta-agonist and [[anticholinergic]] agents have been tried, e.g. in severe exacerbations of [[asthma]].<ref>Blitz M, Blitz S, Hughes R, Diner B, Beasley R, Knopp J, Rowe BH. ''Aerosolized magnesium sulfate for acute asthma: a [[systematic review]].'' Chest 2005;128:337-44. PMID 16002955.</ref> In fact, recent studies have revealed that magnesium sulfate can be nebulized to reduce the symptoms of acute asthma (Blitz ''et al'' 2005). It is commonly administered via the [[intravenous]] route for the management of severe [[asthma]] attacks * Users of Epsom Salts in the gel form have reported significant and lasting reduction of pain associated with [[fibromyalgia]] and [[osteoporosis]].<ref>Epsom Salt in gel form [http://www.epsomsaltgel.com/testimonials.html] (republished by J. Drew & Associates, with permission), 2007</ref> * A 2004 research study by [[Rosemary Waring]] at the School of Biosciences, [[Birmingham University]], UK has shown that both magnesium and sulfate are absorbed through the skin when bathing in 1% solution.<ref>Rosemary Waring [http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/articles/Report_on_Absorption_of_magnesium_sulfate.pdf Absorption of magnesium sulphate through the skin] (republished by the Epsom Salt Council), 2004</ref> * Magnesium sulfate can be used to treat [[pre-eclampsia]] in pregnant women<ref>BBC News story 'Simple jab averts pregnancy danger' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2017219.stm] 30 May 2002</ref> * Magnesium sulfate can also delay labor in the case of premature labor, to delay [[Preterm birth]] * [[Intravenous]] magnesium sulfate may be able to prevent [[cerebral palsy]] in [[preterm]] babies<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSHUN17633820080131?sp=true Epsom salt can prevent cerebral palsy: U.S. study]</ref> * Solutions of sulfate salts such as Epsom salts may be given as first aid for barium poisoning * Magnesium sulfate paste has been used as an agent for dehydrating (drawing) [[boils]] and [[carbuncles]]. * Magnesium sulfate solution has also been shown to be an effective aid in the fight against blemishes and acne when applied directly to problematic areas, usually in [[poultice]] form. * Magnesium sulfate when used through soaking, can soothe muscle pains and help improve rough patches in the skin. * The body's Magnesium level increases when soaking with Magnesium sulfate which is necessary for serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical that creates a feeling of relaxation and well-being. <ref>[http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/about_better_health_through_soaking.htm "Epsom Salt Industry Council - About Epsom Salt - The Science of Epsom Salt"] Epsom Salt Council</ref> ==References== <references/> [[Category:Magnesium compounds]] [[Category:Sulfates]] [[Category:Laxatives]] [[Category:Desiccants]] [[de:Magnesiumsulfat]] [[et:Magneesiumsulfaat]] [[es:Sulfato de magnesio]] [[fr:Sulfate de magnésium]] [[it:Solfato di magnesio]] [[he:מגנזיום גופרתי]] [[hu:Magnézium-szulfát]] [[nl:Magnesiumsulfaat]] [[ja:硫酸マグネシウム]] [[no:Magnesiumsulfat]] [[pl:Siarczan magnezu]] [[pt:Sulfato de magnésio]] [[ru:Гептагидрат сульфата магния]] [[sr:Магнезијум сулфат]] [[sv:Magnesiumsulfat]] [[th:แมกนีเซียมซัลเฟต]] [[zh:硫酸镁]]