Magnesium oxide: Difference between revisions

Magnesium oxide is an ionic compound that appears as a white, powdery solid. It can also be referred to as magnesia. This compound is perhaps best known for its use as a medication that can treat symptoms such as heartburn or indigestion. It can be formed by burning magnesium ribbon in the air and also occurs naturally as periclase. Magnesium oxide is a relatively safe chemical, also it can be a mild irritant.

Magnesium oxide is a powdery, crystalline solid.<ref> [http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/magnesium+oxide magnesium oxide] ''The Free Dictionary''. Web. Accessed on December 24, 2014. Author unknown.</ref><ref name=webelements>Winter, Mark. [https://www.webelements.com/compounds/magnesium/magnesium_oxide.html Magnesium: magnesium oxide] ''WebElements''. Web. Accessed on December 24, 2014.</ref> It is white in color. This compound melts at a relatively high temperature of about 2830 degrees Celsius and boils at 3600 degrees Celsius.<ref name=webelements/><ref name=rsc>Cotton, Simon. [http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/2014/08/magnesium-oxide-mgo-podcast Magnesium oxide] ''Royal Society of Chemistry''. Web. Published on August 13, 2014.</ref> It has a density of 3.58 g/cubic cm.<ref> [http://fearschemistry.wikidot.com/magnesium-oxide Magnesium Oxide ] ''Wikidot''. Web. Last updated on January 30, 2008. Author unknown.</ref>Magnesium oxide is considered to be a good thermal conductor. It also can typically resist corrosion.<ref name=magnesiumoxide/>