General Description
A white crystalline solid. Strongly absorbs water from air and dissolves in it. Accordingly, used as a regenerable drying agent. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire.
Reactivity Profile
MAGNESIUM PERCHLORATE(10034-81-8) is a strong oxidizing agent. Decomposes at 185-190°C [Hawley]. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in the fire or the combustible material is finely divided an explosion may result. Avoid contact with mineral acids because of the danger of explosion. In the preparation of anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide by vacuum distillation from anhydrous MAGNESIUM PERCHLORATE(10034-81-8), an explosion occurred [MCA Case History 1187, 1966]. Drying ethylene oxide with MAGNESIUM PERCHLORATE(10034-81-8) resulted in an explosion [NSC Newsletter. Chem. Soc. 1959]. MAGNESIUM PERCHLORATE(10034-81-8) used in drying hydrocarbons exploded when heated to 220°C [Ind. & Eng. News 17:70. 1939]. As soon as trimethyl phosphite contacted a small amount of MAGNESIUM PERCHLORATE(10034-81-8) in a flask, there was a flash and an explosion that shattered the flask [Allison 1968].
Air & Water Reactions
Deliquescent. Water soluble
Hazard
Dangerous fire and explosion risk in contact
with organic materials.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of dust irritates mucous membranes. Ingestion of large amounts may be fatal; immediate symptoms include adominal pains, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, pallor, blueness, shortness of breath, unconsciousness. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation.
Potential Exposure
Magnesium perchlorate is used as
a drying agent for gases and as an oxidizing agent
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: Can form explosive mixture with combustible material or finely powdered metals. Increases the intensity of fires.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN1475 Magnesium perchlorate, Hazard Class:
5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer.
Incompatibilities
A powerful oxidizer. Violent reaction
with reducing agents; alkenes (above 220C), ammonia
gas; organic matter; ethylene oxide, finely divided or powdered metals, combustible materials, phosphorus, dimethylsulfoxide, mineral acids; wet argon; hydrazines, alcohols,
wet fluorobutane; butyl fluorides; organic materials. Forms
explosive material with ethyl alcohol. Incompatible with
many materials. Shock or heat may cause magnesium
perchlorate to explode.
Description
Magnesium perchlorate is a powerful oxidizing
agent, with the formula Mg(ClO4)2. Magnesium perchlorate
decomposes at 250°C. The heat of formation is 568.90 kJ/mol. If water is added to magnesium perchlorate, the reaction
is highly exothermic and may cause damage to the
eyes. Thus, this salt should be added to a sufficient
amount of water in order to form a dilute solution.
Mg(ClO4)2·6H2O is composed of white, deliquescent
crystals which are soluble in water and alcohol but explosive when in contact with reducing materials.
This compound is used as a drying agent for gases.
This salt is highly exothermic when added to water
and releases steamy HCl gas. It can be dried to form
the anhydrate by heating to 250°C under vacuum. The
hexahydrate losses two molecules of water at 244°C in
air and further decomposes to the dihydrate at 336°C
and the anhydrate at 438°C.
The anhydrate has been used as a desiccant to dry gas
streams or air samples. However, it is no longer used
since perchlorates tend to form explosive compounds
with a variety of organic materials as well as other
substances.
Chemical Properties
Magnesium perchlorate is a white crystalline
solid.
Chemical Properties
White crystals. Deliquescent; very soluble in water and alcohol.
Uses
As a drying agent for gases. The article of commerce may contain an amount of water equivalent to a dihydrate, but even the trihydrate is said to be effective for drying gases.
Definition
ChEBI: Magnesium perchlorate is an alkaline earth salt. It contains a perchlorate.
storage
Color Code—Yellow: Reactive Hazard; Store in alocation separate from other materials, especially flammables and combustibles. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Magnesium perchlorate must be stored to avoidcontact with fuels, finely powdered metals, mineral acids,ammonia, ethylene oxide, phosphorus, dimethyl sulfoxide,and trimethyl phosphite, since violent reactions occur.Shock may cause magnesium perchlorate to explode. Storein tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated areaaway from flammable and combustible materials. Do notstore on wood floors. See OSHA Standard 1910.104 andNFPA 43A Code for the Storage of Liquid and SolidOxidizers for detailed handling and storage regulations.
Purification Methods
Magnesium perchlorate (Anhydrone, Dehydrite) [10034-81-8 (anhydrous)] M 259.2, m >250o, pK2 5
