Magnesium Carbonate Basic: Composition, Properties, and Applications

Magnesium carbonate basic, often referred to as basic magnesium carbonate or simply "light magnesium carbonate," is an important inorganic compound used across pharmaceutical, food, and industrial sectors. It is known for its mild alkalinity, antacid properties, and use as a filler or additive. The compound consists of magnesium carbonate combined with magnesium hydroxide in variable proportions, often appearing as a hydrated white powder.

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Chemical Identity

• General Formula: MgCO₃·Mg(OH)₂·xH₂O (commonly written as 4MgCO₃·Mg(OH)₂·5H₂O)

• Other Names:

  • Light basic magnesium carbonate

  • Hydrated magnesium carbonate

  • Magnesia alba (historical)

• Appearance: White, soft, odorless powder

• Solubility: Practically insoluble in water and alcohol

• Taste: Slightly earthy and chalky

• Odor: Odorless

The compound is naturally derived from minerals like hydromagnesite or is synthetically produced by treating magnesium salts (such as magnesium sulfate or chloride) with sodium carbonate under controlled conditions.

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Major Applications

1. Pharmaceutical Industry (Antacid):
Magnesium carbonate basic is widely used as an active ingredient in antacids. It helps to neutralize excess stomach acid and relieve indigestion, gastritis, and heartburn. Due to its mild alkalinity and buffering action, it is gentle on the stomach.

2. Dietary Supplement (Magnesium Source):
As a magnesium-rich compound, it is used in nutritional supplements to help prevent or correct magnesium deficiency.

3. Food Additive:
Used under the food additive code E504, basic magnesium carbonate acts as:

• An anti-caking agent

• A firming agent

• An acidity regulator

It is found in powdered foods, baking powders, and table salt to prevent clumping.

4. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products:
Its absorbent and mattifying properties make it useful in cosmetics, body powders, and toothpaste, where it can help control moisture and act as a mild abrasive.

5. Industrial Use:
Magnesium carbonate basic is used as:

• A filler in rubber, plastics, and ceramics

• A fire retardant additive, releasing CO₂ and water on heating

• A drying agent for organic solvents

• A reinforcing agent in sports equipment like gymnastic chalk and climbing chalk

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Chemical Behavior and Reactions

When heated, magnesium carbonate basic decomposes to form magnesium oxide, water vapor, and carbon dioxide:

MgCO₃cdotpMg(OH)₂cdotp5H₂O→Δ2MgO+CO2+6H2Otext{MgCO₃·Mg(OH)₂·5H₂O} xrightarrow{Delta} 2MgO + CO₂ + 6H₂OMgCO₃cdotpMg(OH)₂cdotp5H₂OΔ​2MgO+CO2​+6H2​O

This thermal decomposition is useful in fire safety applications and in the production of high-purity magnesium oxide (MgO).

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Safety and Handling

Basic magnesium carbonate is considered non-toxic and safe for use in regulated amounts.

• Inhalation: Inhalation of dust may cause mild respiratory irritation.

• Skin/Eye Contact: Generally safe, but eye protection is advisable in industrial environments.

• Ingestion: Safe in approved quantities; excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from acids and moisture.

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Environmental Impact

This compound is naturally occurring and poses minimal environmental risk. It breaks down into naturally occurring elements (magnesium, carbonate, water) and does not bioaccumulate or persist in ecosystems.

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Conclusion

Magnesium carbonate basic is a versatile and widely used compound with key roles in medicine, food, personal care, and industry. Its buffering ability, absorbency, and magnesium content make it especially valuable as an antacid, supplement, and processing aid. With its safety and functionality, it continues to be a reliable choice across various applications.

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