Magnesium Carbonate
CAS Number: 546-93-0
EC Number: 208-915-9
Publication Date: 11029
ECHA Information Card: 100.008.106
Chemist : 10563
E-number: E504
Chemical formula: MgCO3
Molar mass: 84.3139 g/mol (anhydrous)
Density: 2.958 g / cm3
Melting point: 350 °C
Other names:
- Magnesite
- Barringtonite (dihydrate)
- Nesequehonite (trihydrate)
- Lansfordite (pentahydrate)
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE), MgCO3 (archaic name magnesia alba), is an inorganic salt that is a colorless or white solid.
Various hydrated and basic forms of magnesium carbonate also exist as minerals.
E 504 forms (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
The most common forms of magnesium carbonate are the anhydrous salt called magnesite (MgCO3) and the di-, tri-, and pentahydrates known as barringtonite (MgCO3 2H2O), nesquehonite (MgCO3 3H2O), and lansfordite (MgCO3 5H2O), respectively.
Some basic forms such as artinite (Mg2CO3(OH)2·3H2O), hydromagnesite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O) and dypingite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·5H2O) also occur as minerals.
All these minerals are colored or white.
Magnesite consists of colorless or white trigonal crystals.
Anhydrous salt is practically insoluble in water, acetone and ammonia.
All forms of magnesium carbonate react with acids.
Magnesite crystallizes in the calcite structure, where Mg2+ is surrounded by six oxygen atoms.
The dihydrate has a triclinic structure, while the trihydrate has a monoclinic structure.
References to "light" and "heavy" magnesium carbonates actually refer to the magnesium hydroxy carbonates hydromagnesite and dypingite, respectively.
Preparation of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is normally obtained by mining the mineral magnesite.
Seventy percent of the world's supply is mined and prepared in China.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) can be prepared in the laboratory by the reaction between any soluble magnesium salt and sodium bicarbonate:
MgCl2 ( aq) + 2 NaHCO3(aq) → MgCO3(s) + 2 NaCl(aq) + H2O (l) + CO2 (g)
If magnesium chloride (or sulfate) is treated with aqueous sodium carbonate, a precipitate of basic magnesium carbonate is formed, which is a hydrated complex of magnesium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide rather than magnesium carbonate itself:
5 MgCl2 (aq) + 5 Na2CO3 (aq) + 5 H2O(l) → Mg4(CO3)3(OH) 2·3H2O(s) + Mg(HCO3) 2(aq) + 10 NaCl(aq)
High-purity industrial routes include a route through magnesium bicarbonate, which can be formed by combining a slurry of magnesium hydroxide and carbon dioxide at high pressure and moderate temperature.
The bicarbonate is then vacuum dried, causing it to lose carbon dioxide and a water molecule:
Mg (OH)2 + 2 CO2 → Mg(HCO3) 2
Mg (HCO3)2 → MgCO3 + CO2 + H2O
Chemical properties of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
With acids
Like many common group 2 metal carbonates, magnesium carbonate reacts with aqueous acids to release carbon dioxide and water:
MgCO3 + 2 HCl → MgCl2 + CO2 + H2O
MgCO3 + H2SO4 → MgSO4 + CO2 + H2O
Decomposition
At high temperatures, MgCO3 decomposes into magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide.
This process is important in the production of magnesium oxide.
This process is called calcination:
MgCO3 → MgO + CO2 (ΔH = + 118 kJ/mol)
The decomposition temperature is given as 350 °C (662 °F).
However, calcination to the oxide is generally not considered complete below 900 °C due to the associated reabsorption of liberated carbon dioxide.
Hydrates of salts lose water at different temperatures during decomposition.
For example, in the trihydrate MgCO3 * 3H2O, whose molecular formula can be written as Mg·HCO3)(OH)·2H2O, the dehydration steps occur at 157 °C and 179 °C as follows:
Mg(HCO3)(OH)·2(H2O) → Mg(HCO3)(OH)·(H2O) + H2O at 157 °C
Mg(HCO3)(OH)·(H2O) → Mg(HCO3)(OH) + H2O at 179 °C
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) usage
The primary use of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is in the production of magnesium oxide by calcination.
Magnesite and dolomite minerals are used to produce refractory bricks.
MgCO3 is also used in flooring, fireproofing, fire extinguishing compounds, cosmetics, dusting powder, and toothpaste.
Other applications include filler, smoke suppressant in plastics, reinforcing agent in neoprene rubber, drying agent and color retention agent in foods.
Due to the low solubility of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) in water and its hygroscopic properties, MgCO3 was first added to salt in 1911 to make it flow more freely.
The Morton Salt company has adopted the slogan "When it rains, it pours," meaning that its salt, which contains MgCO3, will not stick together in humid weather.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE), most commonly referred to as "chalk", is also used as a drying agent on athletes' hands in rock climbing, gymnastics, weightlifting and other sports where a firm grip is required.
As a food additive, magnesium carbonate is known as E504.
Its only known side effect is that it can act as a laxative in high concentrations.
Magnesium carbonate is used in taxidermy to whiten skulls.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) can be mixed with hydrogen peroxide to form a paste that is spread on the skull to produce a white finish.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used as a matte white coating for projection screens.
Medical use
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is a laxative to loosen the bowels.
Additionally, high purity E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used as an antacid and as an additive in table salt to ensure its free flow.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) can do this because E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) does not dissolve in water, it only effervesces (bubbles) in acid.
Security
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is non-toxic and non-flammable.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is a magnesium salt with the formula CMgO3.
Hydrated forms, particularly di-, tri-, and tetrahydrates, occur as minerals.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) acts as an antacid and fertilizer.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is a magnesium salt, a carbonate salt, a carbon compound and an organic magnesium salt.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE), also known as magnesite, is a common over-the-counter remedy for heartburn and stomach discomfort caused by excess acid production in the stomach.
Magnesite appears as a white, yellowish, grayish-white, or brown crystalline solid or crystalline powder.
Density: 3-3. 1 g cm-3. An important ore for magnesium.
It is used in the manufacture of materials that can withstand very high temperatures.
It is sometimes used to produce carbon dioxide.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)Use and Manufacturing
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is added to table salt and used as an antacid. [ACGIH] Used to make other compounds in the paint, ink, fireproofing, flooring, polishing, plastic and rubber industries; [HSDB]
There are 0 label matches for magnesium carbonate (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 073503). /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., however, approved pesticide uses may change periodically and therefore federal, state, and local authorities should be consulted for currently approved uses./
In foods as a drying agent, color retention agent, anticaking agent and as a carrier.
Industrial Uses of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
-Fillings
- Laboratory chemicals
- Lubricants and lubricant additives
- Paint additives and coating additives not disclosed in other categories
- Process regulators
- Processing aids, not otherwise specified
Consumer Uses of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
- Building/construction materials not covered elsewhere
-Electrical and electronic products
- Fabric, textile and leather products not covered elsewhere
- Intercompany shipments
- Lubricants and greases
- Metal products not covered elsewhere
- Non-TSCA use
- Paint and coatings
- Personal care products
- Plastic and rubber products not coated elsewhere
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)'s Household Products
Home & Commercial / Corporate Products
Information is provided on 55 consumer products containing Magnesium carbonate in the following categories:
- Home Care
-Inside the house
- Landscape / Garden
- Personal Care
-Pesticides
- Pet Care
General Production Information
Industrial Processing Sectors
-All other basic organic chemical production
-Manufacture of all other chemical products and preparations
- Intercompany Shipments
-Manufacture of petroleum lubricating oil and grease
- Medicine and drug manufacturing
- Plastic material and resin manufacturing
- Rubber product manufacturing
- Synthetic rubber manufacturing
- Transportation equipment manufacturing
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) occurs as light, white friable masses or as a voluminous, white powder.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) has a slightly earthy taste and is odorless, but since E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) has a high absorption capacity, magnesium carbonate can absorb odors.
Functions of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE):
1. Acidity Regulator/Buffering Agent-Alter or maintain the acidity or basicity of food/cosmetics.
2. Anti-caking Agent-Prevents lumps from forming in foods due to excess water. They usually function as water repellents or by absorbing excess moisture.
3. Colorant-Pigments or dyes added to change or enhance color.
The primary use of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is in the production of magnesium oxide by calcination.
The minerals magnesite and dolomite are used in flooring, fireproofing, firefighting compounds, cosmetics, dusting powder, and toothpaste. Other applications are as a filler, a smoke suppressant in plastics, a reinforcing agent in neoprene rubber, a drying agent, a laxative to loosen the bowels, and color retention in foods.
Additionally, high purity E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used as an antacid and as an additive in table salt to ensure its free flow.
As a food additive, magnesium carbonate is known as E504, the only known side effect of which is that it can work as a laxative in high concentrations.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is approved for use as a food additive in the EU and is generally recognized as a safe food ingredient in the USA.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) applications
- Natural rubber
-Plastics
-Paper
- Synthetic rubber
- Chemical raw materials
-Painted ones
- Animal feed
-Pine
-Fertilizer
-Inkys
-Ceramic
- Agricultural Chemicals
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is an additive placed in powdered or granulated materials.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) prevents the formation of lumps (caking) and facilitates the fluidity of food products such as table salt, flour, spices and sugar.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE), also known as magnesite, is a common over-the-counter remedy for heartburn and stomach upset caused by excess acid production in the stomach.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is a mineral salt, anti-caking, adjusting, bleaching, modifying agent.
It is used medicinally as an antacid and laxative.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used in the treatment of heart attack patients and supports the health of arteries, bones, nerves and teeth,
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used primarily as a buffer and anti-caking agent, but is also used as an anti-bleaching agent.
Typical products containing E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) include sugar, salt and other granulated foods.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is a valuable mineral that should be avoided due to its potential to cause diarrhea, while E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) can cause diarrhea if too much is ingested.
Characteristics of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
Food additive E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is a mass consisting of white-free and crumbly particles or a bulky white powder without a characteristic odor.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) decomposes at 400 C and is insoluble in water and ethanol.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is found in nature in some minerals such as magnesite.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) usage
The use of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is widespread in the food industry.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is added to chocolate and cocoa products, matured cheeses, milk and cream powder, granulated sugar, dextrose powder as an agent that prevents lump formation and hardening.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is often added to canned fruits, jams, and preserves to thicken the plant tissue.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is also often used in table salt to prevent clumping.
Besides the food industry, the additive is used in cosmetics, especially in facial masks, due to its mild astringent properties.
Weightlifters, bodybuilders, gymnasts and mountain climbers use E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) powder to dry their hands quickly.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is also added to fire extinguishers and can be found in toothpastes, gaskets and insulation.
Effects of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) on humans
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is non-toxic.
However, adding it to food in large quantities can lead to depression, various heart disorders.
In addition, E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) inhalation can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, as well as digestive system, stomach upset and diarrhea.
Often, food supplements cause irritation of the mucous membranes and skin.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is a non-toxic mineral.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is an effective phosphate binder for chronic hemodialysis patients.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) prevents vascular calcification in these patients.
Many patients with severely symptomatic mitral valve prolapse syndrome have low serum magnesium, and supplementation of this ion with E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) improves most symptoms.
First aid measures of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
Eye contact
If this product comes into contact with eyes:
-Flush immediately with clean running water.
-Make sure that the eye is completely irrigated by moving the eyelids, holding them apart and away from the eyes and occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids.
- Seek medical attention without delay; if pain persists or recurs, seek medical attention.
-Removal of contact lenses after an eye injury should only be done by qualified personnel.
Skin Contact
If skin or hair contact occurs:
-Wash skin and hair with running water (and soap if available).
- If irritation occurs, seek medical attention.
Respiration
-If dust is inhaled, remove from contaminated area.
- Encourage the patient to blow their nose to ensure clear airway.
- If irritation or discomfort persists, seek medical attention.
Eating
- Does not cause vomiting if swallowed.
-If vomiting occurs, lean the patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration.
- Observe the patient carefully.
- Never give fluids to a person who shows signs of being drowsy or has reduced awareness; that is, being unconscious.
- Give water to rinse the mouth, then provide the liquid slowly and as much as the victim can comfortably drink.
- Seek medical attention.
Item ID
EC / List no.: 208-915-9
CAS no.: 546-93-0
Molecular formula: CH2O3.Mg
Hazard classification and labelling of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
No hazards are classified in the REACH registry based on the notifications submitted by companies to echa.
Approximately E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is registered under the REACH Regulation and is produced and/or imported into the European Economic Area between ≥ 1 000 and < 10 000 tonnes per year.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (common uses), in formulation or repackaging, in industrial plants and in manufacturing.
Consumer Uses of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used in the following products: lubricants and greases, cosmetics and personal care products, coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modeling clay, finger paints and adsorbents.
Release of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) into the environment may occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash fluids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coatings or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, indoor use in minimum release close systems (e.g. refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters) and outdoor use in minimum release close systems (e.g. hydraulic fluids in automotive suspension, lubricants in engine oil and fracturing fluids).
Product life E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
Other releases of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) into the environment may arise from: use in high-emission long-life materials (e.g. tyres, processed wood products, processed textiles and fabrics, brake pads in trucks or cars, sanding of buildings (bridges, facades) or vehicles (e.g. ships)), indoor use in high-emission long-life materials (e.g. release from fabrics, textiles during washing, removal of indoor paints), outdoor use in low-emission long-life materials (e.g. metal, wood and plastic building and construction materials) and indoor use in low-emission long-life materials (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot wear, leather goods, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) may be found in complex articles not intended for release: vehicles and machines, mechanical tools and electrical/electronic products (e.g. computers, cameras, lamps, refrigerators, washing machines).
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE), plastic (e.g. food packaging and storage, toys, mobile phones), rubber (e.g. tyres, shoes, toys), paper (e.g. tissues, feminine hygiene products, nappies, books, magazines, wallpaper) and stone, plaster, cement, glass or ceramic (e.g. dishes, pots/pans, food storage containers, construction and insulation materials).
Common uses of E 504 by professional workers (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used in the following products: lubricants and greases, metalworking fluids, hydraulic fluids, coating products and fillers, putties, plasters, modeling clay.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used in the following areas: building and construction works and healthcare.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used in the manufacture of mineral products (e.g. plasters, cement), furniture, wood and wood products, plastic products, electrical, electronic and optical equipment, machinery and vehicles, chemicals and rubber products.
Release of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) into the environment may occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash fluids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coatings or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, indoor use in minimum release close systems (e.g. refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters) and outdoor use in minimum release close systems (e.g. hydraulic fluids in automotive suspension, lubricants in engine oil and fracturing fluids).
Formulation or repackaging of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE)
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used in the following products: lubricants and greases, polymers, metalworking fluids, cosmetics and personal care products, paper chemicals and dyes, hydraulic fluids, and adhesives and sealants.
Release of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) into the environment may occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures and formulation in materials.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) usage areas in industrial sites
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used in the following products: lubricants and greases, metalworking fluids, hydraulic fluids, polymers, paper chemicals and dyes, coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modeling clay and polishes, and waxes.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used in the following areas: formulation of mixtures and/or repackaging.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) is used in the production of chemicals, plastic products, pulp, paper and paper products, mineral products (e.g. plasters, cement), fabricated metal products, machinery and vehicles, furniture, food products and rubber products.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) release into the environment may occur from industrial use: in the processing of aids in industrial plants, in the production of articles, as an intermediate step in the further manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates) and substances in closed systems with minimal release.
E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) manufacturing
Release of E 504 (MAGNESIUM CARBONATE) into the environment may occur from industrial use: manufacture of the substance.