Characteristic properties of magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide was known to fashionistas many centuries ago: the wonderful powder had a strong laxative effect and quickly got rid of unwanted pounds. The beauty’s body had no idea about the side effects of the potion in the form of water-salt imbalance in the body.

In the modern FAO/WHO code, the substance is registered as a substance that regulates the acidity of products.

Magnesium hydroxide is the officially accepted name of the product. International synonym - Magnesium Hydroxide.

In the European Codification of Food Additives, the substance is registered under the number E 528 (sometimes spelled E-528).

Alternative names:

  • magnesium hydroxide;
  • Magnesium-hydroxide, German;
  • hydroxide de magnesium.

Type of substance

Food additive E 528 is classified as . The main technological function is an acidity regulator; it is additionally used to stabilize the color of the product.

From a chemical point of view, an inorganic substance is a very weak, sparingly soluble base. Even in small quantities it can form an alkaline environment.

In nature, it occurs in the form of scaly sheet masses of the mineral brucite. In Russia, the largest deposits of brucite are located in the Khabarovsk Territory and the Sverdlovsk Region.

On an industrial scale, the E 528 additive is produced mainly by roasting natural raw materials followed by interaction with a solution.

The second method: by precipitation of magnesium hydroxide from natural magnesium salts contained in lake brine, underground brines, sea water, drilling waters and similar sources.

It is possible to obtain the additive by crushing and grinding a natural mineral, but the method is rarely used due to insufficiently large reserves of raw materials.

Properties

Index Standard values
Color white
Compound magnesium hydroxide, impurities: calcium oxide; chemical formula Mg(OH) 2
Appearance crystalline powder
Smell absent
Solubility insoluble in alcohols and water; dissolves in acids
Main substance content at least 95%
Taste weak alkaline
Density 2, 34 g/cm 3
Other hygroscopic: absorbs water and carbon dioxide to form

Package

Additive E 528 is packaged in standard containers:

  • multilayer kraft bags;
  • polypropylene bags;
  • special soft containers (big bags);
  • cardboard-wound drums.

To provide additional protection from moisture, a polyethylene liner is inserted inside each packaging unit.

The substance is supplied to the pharmacy chain in plastic or glass jars of various capacities.

Application

The food industry does not use stabilizer E 528 individually. In a mixture with other hydroxides, the substance acts as an acidity regulator in products based on chocolate and cocoa (the total amount of additives should not exceed 70 g/kg of dry weight).

Due to the property of magnesium hydroxide to react with acids, the additive is used for binding in salted, pickled, pickled vegetable processing products. Sulfurous acid initially performs an important function: it protects canned food from microbial spoilage and peroxidation. Magnesium hydroxide reduces the harmful effects of sulfur dioxide on the human body. Additionally, the product helps preserve the color of vegetables during their heat treatment.

Additive E 528 is included in the technology for obtaining refined sugar: the syrup is alkalized with the substance before filtration.

Magnesium hydroxide is not used to make baby food.

The additive is approved in all countries except the UK, New Zealand, Australia.

One of the main areas of application of the E 528 stabilizer is wastewater treatment. Magnesium hydroxide solves industrially significant tasks:

  • binds molecules of unwanted substances, forms a colloidal precipitate with them (it is easy to remove with the help of special systems);
  • alkalizes water, reduces its corrosive activity.

One of the main consumers of the E 528 additive is medicine. According to the pharmacological index, the substance is included in two groups:

  • non-absorbable antacids. The drug reacts with hydrochloric acid of the stomach, neutralizes its aggressive effects, but does not destroy the antimicrobial properties. Used for exacerbation of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer, heartburn caused by high acidity of gastric juice;
  • osmotic laxatives (including for children from 2 years of age). Used to treat constipation, urological diseases, cleanse the body in case of poisoning, to prepare for operations.
Magnesium hydroxide is used in the form of a suspension (the so-called "milk of magnesia").

Due to its laxative effect, the additive is usually used in combination with those that have fixing properties.

In the cosmetics industry, the product has found use as a source of magnesium, a sorbent, and an acidity regulator in toothpastes, antiperspirants, hygienic talcs, and bath bombs. Has whitening properties.

In livestock farming, magnesium hydroxide under the trade name AgroMag is used for mineral feeding. The product helps to increase the growth of young animals, increase milk yield and quality of milk.

In agriculture, the E 528 additive is used as a magnesium mineral fertilizer.

Benefits and harms

Additive E 528 is harmless to humans when consumed wisely. When supplied with food, the substance is absorbed into the intestinal walls only if there is a lack of magnesium in the body and only in the amount necessary to replenish the supply. Excess is excreted by the kidneys.

A large dose of the substance can cause stomach upset and nausea. The laxative effect occurs after 4–6 hours.

Uncontrolled use of the drug is dangerous by disturbing the water-salt balance and developing gastrointestinal diseases.

The substance is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, people with Alzheimer's disease.

Main manufacturers

The industrial demand for magnesium hydroxide is almost completely met by Russian manufacturers:

  • AO Caustic, Zirax LLC (Volgograd), are part of the NIKOCHEM Group of Companies;
  • Mikhailovsky Plant of Chemical Reagents (Altai Territory);
  • LLC "Russian Mining and Chemical Society" (Moscow).

Leading foreign manufacturers:

  • Qingzhou Zhongyuan Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (China);
  • Dead Sea Periclase (Israel);
  • Calmags GmbH (Germany).
Magnesium hydroxide is an effective fire extinguishing agent. Unlike other fire retardants, the substance does not emit toxic products and has very high smoke-suppressing properties.

Magnesium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide- an inorganic compound of composition Mg (OH) 2. White crystals that are poorly soluble in water. The compound exhibits weak basic properties.

It is used as a drug to reduce the acidity of gastric juice and as an antidote for arsenic poisoning. Intermediate in the synthesis of metallic magnesium.

Distribution in nature

Minerals that contain magnesium hydroxide are quite rare. Among these minerals, brucite is the most important. In addition to the main compound, Mg (OH) 2, it may contain impurities MnO, FeO, Fe 2 O 3. Brucite is formed as a result of the hydrolysis of natural magnesium compounds soluble in meadows.

Mg (OH) 2 is also found in the mineral hydromagnesite, which in composition is close to a mixture of magnesium hydroxide and carbonate - 4MgCO 3 Mg (OH) 2 2H 2 O.

Physical properties

Magnesium hydroxide are white crystals that are poorly soluble in water and do not conduct electricity. Actively dehumidifies the air by absorbing water and carbon dioxide. It dissolves well in ammonium salts.

Receipt

Given the low prevalence of magnesium hydroxide in mineral deposits, it is mined using a different method. For industrial needs, Mg (OH) 2 is obtained by precipitation of sea water and brines. Hydroxide extraction from sea water was first used in 1865 on the French Mediterranean coast.

In laboratory languages, magnesium hydroxide can be synthesized by burning magnesium metal in water vapor:

Precipitation of poorly soluble hydroxide during the interaction of magnesium salts with alkalis and ammonium hydroxide is also used.

However, precipitation with ammonium hydroxide occurs entirely due to the constant decrease in OH - ions.

Chemical properties

Magnesium hydroxide decomposes when heated above 350 ° C in vacuum and at 800 ° C in air:

The compound is a weak base, interacts with acids, ammonium salts and acid oxides (actively absorbs carbon dioxide from the air):

When heated, it reacts with certain nonmetals, which result in the formation of the corresponding hydrides:

Complex formation with inorganic ligands for Mg 2+ cations is uncharacteristic (unstable complexes with oxygen molecules are known for magnesium halides), therefore Mg (OH) 2 is insoluble in meadows.

Application

Magnesium hydroxide is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of magnesium metal. It is used to purify sugar, water in boiler rooms, and in the production of toothpastes.

In medicine

Magnesium hydroxide is widely used as an antacid for high acidity of gastric juice (gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers). Included in the drug "Maalox" (an acronym for "ma manure al Yuminov ox id"), as well as its analogue "almagel", which reduce acidity.

Neutralizing the perchloric acid contained in the stomach turns into magnesium chloride, which has a laxative effect. Used for poisoning with acids and arsenic compounds.

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Magnesium hydroxide (e528) is a food additive of the emulsifier group.

Characteristic

Externally, the chemical compound is a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a characteristic alkali taste. E528 is used as a food additive. Its main purpose is to stabilize the shades of products and regulate acidity.

At a temperature of 350 degrees Celsius, magnesium hydroxide decomposes into water and magnesium oxide. Practically insoluble in water. It absorbs carbon dioxide and water from the air, while forming basic magnesium carbonate. In nature, e528 can be found in the form of a special mineral - brucite.

Obtaining magnesium hydroxide

On an industrial scale, the production of magnesium hydroxide occurs through the interaction of magnesium salts with various alkalis.

Also, a chemical compound is obtained by reacting a solution of magnesium chloride with burnt dolomite, or by interacting water vapor with metallic magnesium.

Properties of magnesium hydroxide

In the food industry, the properties of magnesium hydroxide have become widespread in the manufacture of cocoa products (up to 70 g/kg), canned vegetables (salted and pickled vegetables, sauces, marinades, canned vegetable snacks, natural canned vegetables), and cheese. As a food additive, e528 is used to bind sulfur dioxide.

The substance is used as a flocculant for wastewater treatment, as an additive in various detergents, antiperspirants, deodorants and toothpaste. It is used for refining sugar and obtaining magnesium oxide.

The properties of magnesium hydroxide deserve special attention, allowing it to be used in medicine. The substance has an antacid and laxative effect, reduces the activity of gastric juice and neutralizes hydrochloric acid in the stomach. At the same time, the use of e528 is not accompanied by changes in acid-rich hormone or secondary hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid. Also in medicine, the substance is used to increase intestinal motility. As a laxative, it begins to act 2-6 hours after use.

Indications for use of the chemical compound: heartburn after drinking coffee, alcohol or smoking, chronic gastritis with normal or increased secretion, stomach and duodenal ulcers, constipation, epigastric pain and discomfort.

In medicine, magnesium hydroxide algeldrat has become widespread - a remedy that is used for acute duodenitis, stomach ulcers, gastralgia, heartburn, chronic pancreatitis, fermentative or putrefactive dyspepsia, hyperacid gastritis. However, you should be aware that this drug is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to magnesium hydroxide, Alzheimer's disease and during pregnancy and lactation. It should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, since after its use, excess magnesium in the body (hypermagnesemia) may develop.

Effect on the human body

Food additive e528 is prohibited in Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand. In general, the supplement is considered harmless to the body. However, its use in large concentrations can provoke an upset stomach and cause diarrhea, as it absorbs fluid from the intestines, increasing its motility.

Magnesium hydroxide

Chemical properties

Inorganic compound, basic metal hydroxide Mg. Under standard conditions, it is an amorphous substance, practically insoluble in water, soluble in ammonium salts. Chemical formula of Magnesium Hydroxide: Mg(OH)2. It exists in nature as the mineral brucite. Molecular weight = 58.3 grams per mole.

Chemical properties of Magnesium Hydroxide. A weak base does not dissolve in water, but even a small amount of dissolved compound gives the solution an alkaline reaction. A characteristic coloring of the indicators is observed. The product is quite unstable to high temperatures and decomposes at 350 degrees Celsius. Reacts with acids, acid oxides (forms salt and water); with concentrated alkali (form hydroxomagnesates ).

A substance is obtained by reactions of soluble salts Mg and alkali, chloride solution Mg with a burnt dolomite , metallic Mg with water vapor. As a result, a white amorphous, cheesy precipitate always falls out; the color of the precipitate is white or yellowish due to impurities in the reagents.

Mg hydroxide is used:

  • in wastewater treatment as a flocculant;
  • in the production of thermoplastic polymers;
  • as a binding agent sulfur dioxide , for getting ;
  • as part of detergents and cleaners;
  • in the production of toothpaste and refined sugar;
  • in the form of a dietary supplement under the code E528 ;
  • in medicine to neutralize stomach acids and as a laxative.

pharmachologic effect

Antacid, laxative.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Magnesium hydroxide has the ability to neutralize free hydrochloric acid contained in gastric juice. As a result, the medicine forms, which, when it enters the intestines, has a laxative effect. The reaction product penetrates the intestine, where it increases osmotic pressure, increases the volume of feces, stretches the intestinal walls, and stimulates peristalsis. Magnesium is excreted in the form of ions along with the intestinal contents.

The drug binds bile acids well and inactivates the enzyme pepsin in case of accidental ingestion from the duodenum into the stomach. The substance protects the gastric mucosa during. After taking the remedy, a persistent and lasting effect is observed, without secondary hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid. After taking the drug, the peristalsis of all parts of the intestine increases. The laxative effect is observed after half an hour.

Caution should be taken in patients with kidney disease, as the substance can be absorbed into the systemic circulation and affect the functioning of the central nervous system.

Indications for use

The medicine is prescribed:

  • for the treatment of patients with chronic increased or normal secretion of gastric acids;
  • at ;
  • patients with pain and discomfort in the epigastric region;
  • for treatment after eating fatty and salty foods, nicotine, coffee, alcohol;
  • as a laxative for errors in diet.

Contraindications

The drug is contraindicated for use:

  • at ;
  • at hypermagnesemia ;
  • in tablet form for children under 6 years of age and in other medications. forms – up to three years.

Side effects

Magnesium hydroxide rarely causes allergic reactions. For or for other reasons, the substance may be absorbed into the systemic bloodstream, in which case disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system may occur.

Magnesium hydroxide, instructions for use (Method and dosage)

The substance is used inside.

As an antacid, children and patients over 12 years of age are prescribed from 300 mg to 1.2 grams of the drug 4 times a day. For children over the age of 3 years, the standard single dose is 0.4 grams.

Combined medication with antimicrobial drugs, derivatives fluoroquinolone may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.

Cases of the effect of the drug on metabolism have been registered dicumarol .

Combined medication with aluminum hydroxide And diflunisal leads to a decrease in the bioavailability of drugs.

The substance reduces the absorption capacity of iron salts.

When combining Magnesium Hydroxide with and flurbiprofen There is an increase in the initial absorption of drugs.

The medicine can reduce plasma concentration and its irritating effect on the digestive tract.

The substance reduces bioavailability and effectiveness carbenoxolone , penicillamine , . The speed, but not the degree of absorption, slows down.

When the drug is combined with, it increases significantly pH urine and increases the toxicity of the drug.

The drug slows down absorption