What is Magnesium Bicarbonate?
Magnesium Bicarbonate is an unstable compound of magnesium in solid state with the formula Mg(HCO3)2. It exists only in solution and is formed by the action of water containing free carbon dioxide on magnesite, dolomite, dolomitic limestone and other minerals containing magnesium carbonate. It causes temporary hardness in water and on heating it easily decomposes back to carbonate.
IUPAC name – Magnesium hydrogen carbonate
Table of Contents
- Structure Of Magnesium Bicarbonate
- Properties Of Magnesium Bicarbonate
- Physical Properties Of Magnesium Bicarbonate
- Chemical Properties Of Magnesium Bicarbonate
- Uses Of Magnesium Bicarbonate
- FAQs
Magnesium Bicarbonate Structure – Mg(HCO3)2
Properties of Magnesium Bicarbonate – Mg(HCO3)2
| Mg(HCO3)2 | Magnesium Bicarbonate |
| pH | 8.3 |
| Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 146.3387 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 333.6 °C at 760 mmHg |
| Chemical Formula | C2H2MgO6 |
Physical Properties of Magnesium Bicarbonate – Mg(HCO3)2
| Odour | Odourless |
| Appearance | Found only in liquid form |
| Monoisotopic Mass | 145.97 g/mol |
| Charge | +2 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water to 5.7 g / 100 mL at 20oC |
Chemical Properties of Magnesium Bicarbonate – Mg(HCO3)2
Magnesium Bicarbonate undergoes decomposition forming magnesium carbonate, water and free carbon dioxide.
Uses of Magnesium Bicarbonate – Mg(HCO3)2
- Used as an antacid which decreases hyperacidity in conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, reflux esophagitis, gastritis and hiatal hernia.
- Used to treat patients with renal insufficiency and should be given cautiously during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Magnesium bicarbonate helps to balance out the pH level in our body
Frequently Asked Questions- FAQs
What is the difference between magnesium carbonate and magnesium bicarbonate?
Ans: The chemical formula of magnesium carbonate is MgCO3 and magnesium bicarbonate is Mg(HCO3)2 . The magnesium carbonate is an inorganic salt, a white solid. Whereas magnesium bicarbonate exists in an aqueous solution.
Does magnesium bicarbonate cause hardness in water ?
Temporary hardness of water is caused by the presence of calcium bicarbonate and magnesium bicarbonate.
What are the uses of magnesium bicarbonate ?
It is used as an antacid to decrease hyperacidity in conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, reflux esophagitis, gastritis and hiatal hernia.
Is magnesium bicarbonate soluble in water ?
Magnesium bicarbonate is soluble in water. It exists only in aqueous solutions. It is prepared by the reaction of magnesium acetate and sodium bicarbonate.
Is it okay to take magnesium every day ?
Doses less than 350 mg daily are safe for most adults. But excess might cause stomach upset , nausea, vomiting , diarrhea and other side effects.
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