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Magnesium Chloride

Last updated: November 18, 2016

What Does Magnesium Chloride Mean?

Magnesium chloride is an inorganic salt (compound) that has one magnesium and two chloride ions with the chemical formula MgCl2. Its various hydrates have the formula MgCl2(H2O)x. It is used as a cathartic and in alloys.

The magnesium chloride salt is a typical ionic halide and is highly soluble in water. Hydrated magnesium chloride can be produced by extraction from brine or seawater. Anhydrous magnesium chloride is produced on a large scale and it is the primary precursor to magnesium metal.

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Corrosionpedia Explains Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is an inorganic compound containing the elements magnesium and chlorine. It mostly used for dust control, ice control and road stabilization. It is also used to produce magnesium metal, fertilizer, artificial seawater, feed supplements, textiles, paper, fireproofing agents, cements and refrigeration brine. It is also used for wastewater treatment.

Magnesium chloride is very corrosive to the metal surfaces of automobiles and causes rust if left on the vehicle for a long period of time. It is thicker than sodium chloride, so it sticks to a car’s finish and is almost impossible to wash off.

Magnesium chloride attracts moisture from the air making it more aggressive than salt because it is active even when dry. It clings to everything and is known as a ‘liquid rust.’

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