The anhydrous magnesium acetate formula has the chemical formula i.e. Mg(C2H3O2)2 and in its hydrated form, the magnesium acetate tetrahydrate, it has a chemical formula i.e. Mg(CH3COO)2 • 4H2O. In this compound, magnesium consists of an oxidation state of 2+. The magnesium acetate is generally the magnesium salt of the acetic acid. It is deliquescent and while heating, it decomposes to produce the magnesium oxide. The magnesium acetate is commonly used as a source of the magnesium in biological reactions.
Physical Properties                                                         Â
The magnesium acetate looks like the white hygroscopic crystals. It has a similar smell as of the acetic acid and is soluble when we put it inside the water (H2O). When it is in the form of an aqueous solution its pH will level be on the alkaline side of neutral.
Storage
Due to the fact that it is very hygroscopic in nature, we have to store it away from the water (H2O). It is also incompatible with strong oxidizers and we should not mix it with them.
Uses and Applications
The magnesium acetate is commonly used as a source of the magnesium or for the acetate ion in the experiments of chemistry. One of those examples of this is when the magnesium acetate and the magnesium nitrate were both used for performing the molecular dynamics simulations and the surface tension measurements.
In the experiment, the authors got to know that the acetate has a stronger affinity for the surface compared to the nitrate ion and that the Mg2+ powerfully repelled away from the air or the liquid interference. They also saw that the Mg2+ has a stronger tendency and capability to bind with the acetate ion as compared to the nitrate.
One of the more prevalent uses of the magnesium acetate is in the mixture we call calcium magnesium acetate i.e. CMA. It is a combination of the calcium acetate and the magnesium acetate. CMA is thought of as an environment-friendly substitute deicer to the NaCl and the CaCl2 as well.
The CMA also acts as a powerful SO2, NOx, and toxic particulate emission control agent in the coal combustion process to decrease the amount of acid rain. Moreover, as an effective catalyst for the enabling of coal combustion.
The magnesium acetate can cause a conformational transformation in the Escherichia coli enzyme Primase. In this experiment, the Mg(OAc)2, MnCl2, CaCl2, NaOAc, LiCl, MgSO4, and the MgCl2 were all compared to see what effect they are having on the Escherichia coli enzyme Primase. The experimenters got to know that the Mg(OAc)2 causes the best conformational transformation. The MgSO4 and the MgCl2 induced the result slightly while the rest didn’t do the same.
Safety
The magnesium acetate is a safe compound to handle and it has been given a health hazard rating of zero (0). However, we should always handle it with the gloves in our hands and safety goggles for the eyes as well. If it goes into the eyes, or in the skin, ingested, or inhaled it will result in irritation in these areas.
Solved Example on Magnesium Acetate Formula
Question:Â What is the synthesis of the magnesium acetate from the process of reacting the magnesium hydroxide with the acetic acid?
Solution: The synthesis of the magnesium acetate from the reaction of magnesium hydroxide with acetic acid is present below:
2CH3COOH + Mg(OH)2 → (CH3COO)2 Mg + 2H2O
The magnesium carbonate suspended in distilled water with 20 per cent of the acetic acid solution.
2CH3COOH + MgCO3 → Mg(CH3COO)2 + CO2 + H2O
Reacting the metallic magnesium with the acetic acid dissolved inside the dry benzene results in magnesium acetate to produce along with the discharge of the hydrogen gas.
Mg +2 CH3COOH → Mg(CH3COO)2 + H2.
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