Magnesium Chloride
MgCl₂·6H₂O | CAS: 7791-18-6 | HS: 28273100
Product Description
Magnesium Chloride is a widely used magnesium salt valued for its dust suppression, de-icing, road stabilisation, and magnesium nutrition functions. As a de-icing agent it outperforms road salt (NaCl) at lower temperatures and is less corrosive to concrete and vegetation. In food applications, food-grade MgCl₂ (Nigari) is the traditional Japanese tofu coagulant that precipitates soy protein for tofu production. It is also a key feedstock for producing other magnesium compounds and is used as a magnesium source in mineral nutrition supplements. MITCHEM supplies multiple grades with appropriate documentation.
Applications by Industry
Applied to roads and highways for de-icing at temperatures down to –15°C and for dust suppression on unpaved roads; less corrosive to concrete and steel structures versus NaCl.
Traditional Japanese tofu coagulant (Nigari = bittern); food-grade MgCl₂ precipitates soy protein to form tofu curd — produces firmer tofu texture versus CaSO₄ gypsum.
Reacts with magnesium oxide to form magnesium oxychloride cement (Sorel cement), used in floors, magnesia boards, and artificial stone with high strength and fire resistance.
Electrolysis of anhydrous MgCl₂ is one of the two primary routes for primary magnesium metal production (Dow process), producing high-purity magnesium ingot.