Chemical laboratory

Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate

Versatile Inorganic Salt for Industrial Applications

  • CAS 7791-18-6
  • Formula MgCl₂·6H₂O
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 1.569 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point Decomposes °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 1.569 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 54.3 g/100 mL (20 °C) -
Ph 5-7 (10% solution) -
Molecular weight 203.30 g/mol g/mol
Melting point N/A °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance White crystalline powder -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate (MgCl₂·6H₂O) is a white crystalline, odorless inorganic salt that serves as a critical chemical compound across numerous industrial and commercial applications. With its high water solubility of 54.3 g/100 mL at 20°C and stable crystalline structure, this hexahydrate form provides reliable performance in demanding environments. The compound maintains a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 5-7 in 10% solution, making it suitable for applications requiring controlled chemical conditions.

Key Applications

This versatile compound finds extensive use as a de-icing agent for roads and walkways, offering superior ice-melting performance at lower temperatures compared to traditional rock salt. In construction, it serves as a concrete set accelerator, reducing curing time and improving cold-weather concrete placement. The dust control industry relies on magnesium chloride hexahydrate for road stabilization and dust suppression, where its hygroscopic properties help maintain moisture levels in unpaved surfaces. Additionally, it functions as a laboratory reagent in analytical chemistry and research applications, providing a reliable source of magnesium and chloride ions.

Safety & Handling

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is considered a relatively safe chemical compound with no flash point or autoignition temperature concerns. However, proper personal protective equipment should be worn during handling, including safety glasses, gloves, and dust masks to prevent inhalation of crystalline particles. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas to minimize dust accumulation. While not flammable, the compound can cause mild irritation to eyes and respiratory system upon direct contact or prolonged exposure.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store magnesium chloride hexahydrate in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry location away from moisture to prevent caking and maintain free-flowing properties. The compound should be kept separate from strong bases and oxidizing agents to avoid unwanted chemical reactions. When stored properly in original packaging, the product maintains its effectiveness indefinitely. Temperature control is important to prevent dehydration of the hexahydrate crystals.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides same-day shipping of high-quality magnesium chloride hexahydrate from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS, LTL, and FTL to meet your delivery requirements. Every order includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) for quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Trust Alliance Chemical for reliable supply chain management and technical support. Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl2·6H2O) and what is it used for?
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (CAS 7791-18-6) is a white, deliquescent crystalline salt used as a laboratory reagent and industrial chemical. Common uses include chemical synthesis, brine production, dust control, de-icing, and various process applications where a soluble magnesium and chloride source is required.
How should I store magnesium chloride hexahydrate and what is its shelf life?
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture because the material is hygroscopic and will absorb water. When kept dry and sealed, it is chemically stable for several years; consult the supplier’s certificate of analysis (CoA) for lot-specific shelf-life guidance.
What are the safety hazards and recommended handling precautions?
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate can irritate skin, eyes and respiratory tract; avoid inhalation and contact by using gloves, eye protection and suitable respirators if dusting. Follow the safety data sheet (SDS) for spill control, first-aid measures and PPE, and store away from strong oxidizers and sources of moisture.
What is the difference between concentrations and grades of magnesium chloride hexahydrate?
Grades range from reagent/analytical (high-purity, e.g., ≥98%) to technical/industrial (lower purity, specified impurities) and formulated brines (weight percent solutions, commonly ~20–33% for de-icing). Choice of grade/concentration affects solubility, freezing point depression, corrosivity and suitability for specific applications.
What documentation is available when buying magnesium chloride hexahydrate?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (CoA), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) listing purity, water content, impurity limits and test methods. Request lot-specific CoAs and SDS before use to confirm compliance with your quality and regulatory requirements.
How is magnesium chloride hexahydrate commonly shipped and packaged?
It is commonly shipped in polyethylene-lined paper bags, woven FIBCs (bulk bags), plastic drums or small laboratory bottles; standard sizes include 25 kg bags and 500–1,000 kg bulk bags. Classification and transport requirements depend on local regulations and the specific form (solid or solution), so confirm regulatory status with the supplier.
Is magnesium chloride hexahydrate compatible with common materials and equipment?
Chloride salts can accelerate corrosion of carbon steels, galvanized metals and aluminum, so use corrosion-resistant materials such as 316 stainless steel, HDPE, polypropylene or fiberglass when handling or storing solutions. For long-term exposure or concentrated brines, evaluate system materials and consider corrosion inhibitors.
What technical specifications should I check before purchasing magnesium chloride hexahydrate?
Key specs include CAS number (7791-18-6), chemical formula (MgCl2·6H2O), assay/purity, water content (theoretical ~53.2% w/w for the hexahydrate), heavy metals/impurities, appearance and solubility. Also verify lot CoA values for chloride content, pH of solutions and any application-specific impurity limits.
Which industries and applications commonly use magnesium chloride hexahydrate?
It is used across chemical manufacturing, water treatment, dust suppression, roadway de-icing, brine refrigeration systems, and laboratories as a reagent or raw material. Industrial customers also use it in process chemistry, textile and pulp applications where a soluble magnesium source is required.
How can I purchase magnesium chloride hexahydrate and what availability or lead times should I expect?
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is available in laboratory pack sizes, standard 25 kg bags, bulk FIBCs and bulk tanker loads; standard and custom grades are offered by many suppliers. Availability and lead time depend on order size and grade—small lab quantities are often in stock while bulk orders may require days to weeks—request SDS and CoA when ordering.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
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