General Characteristics of Alkaline Earth Metals
Periodic discussion↪ Alkaline earth metals Beryllium(Be), Magnesium(Mg), Calcium(Ca), Strontium(Sr), Barium(Ba) and Radium(Ra) belong to ⅡA group in the s-block of periodic table.↪ These elements a...
Useful Compounds of Alkaline Earth Metals
D. Magnesia (MgO)
↪ It occurs naturally as solid mineral periclase.
↪ It is generally obtained by heating magnesite (MgCO3) ore.
↪ Molecular formula: MgO
↪ Chemical name: Magnesium oxide
↪ Common name: Magnesia
⁕ Uses of Magnesia
↪ It is used as refractory material in lining furnace.
↪ It is used for making crucible.
↪ It is used as antacid.
↪ Its aqueous suspension is called milk of magnesia.
E. Epsom salt (MgSO4.10H2O)
↪ It occurs as epsomite.
↪ It is colorless crystalline efflorescent substance having bitter taste.
↪ Molecular formula: MgSO4.10H2O
↪ Chemical name: Hepta-hydrated Magnesium Sulphate
↪ Common name: Epsom salt
⁕ Uses of Epsom
↪ It is used in medicine as a purgative drug, and as antidote for barium and barbiturate poisoning.
↪ It is used as a source of magnesium fertilizers.
↪ It is used in the dyeing and sizing of textiles.
↪ It is used in the manufacture if paints, soaps.
