Magnesium Chloride vs. Magnesium Sulfate — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 12, 2024
Magnesium Chloride is MgCl₂, used in de-icing; Magnesium Sulfate is MgSO₄, known as Epsom salt.
Difference Between Magnesium Chloride and Magnesium Sulfate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Magnesium Chloride (MgCl₂) is an ionic compound, widely used for dust control, de-icing, and as a magnesium supplement. It's highly soluble in water and has a bitter, salty taste. The compound is derived from sources like seawater and brine.
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄), commonly known as Epsom salt, is also an ionic compound. It's used as a bath additive, laxative, and for agricultural purposes. Magnesium Sulfate is notably used in medicine for its laxative and anti-inflammatory properties.
Magnesium Chloride's structure includes one magnesium ion and two chloride ions. It is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This property makes it effective for dust control and managing ice on roads.
Magnesium Sulfate has one magnesium ion and one sulfate ion. It's recognized for its therapeutic uses; when dissolved in water, it can relieve muscle pain and reduce inflammation. It's also used in gardening to correct magnesium deficiency in soil.
In industry, Magnesium Chloride is used in the production of textiles, paper, and as a fireproofing agent. Magnesium Sulfate, on the other hand, is employed in brewing beer, in the manufacture of leather, and as a drying agent in the preparation of certain gases.
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Comparison Chart
Chemical Formula
MgCl₂
MgSO₄
Common Name
-
Epsom salt
Uses
De-icing, dust control
Laxative, bath additive
Taste
Bitter, salty
Bitter
Industrial Uses
Textiles, fireproofing
Brewing, leather making
Compare with Definitions
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride is highly soluble in water.
Due to its solubility, Magnesium Chloride is effective for dust control.
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium Sulfate is a chemical compound with the formula MgSO₄.
Magnesium Sulfate, or Epsom salt, is often added to bathwater for relaxation.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride is derived from seawater and brine.
The extraction of Magnesium Chloride from seawater is an industrial process.
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium Sulfate is used as a laxative and for relief of sore muscles.
A bath with Magnesium Sulfate can soothe muscle aches.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride has a bitter, salty taste.
The taste of Magnesium Chloride is discernible in some mineral waters.
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium Sulfate is known as Epsom salt.
Epsom salt, or Magnesium Sulfate, is a popular home remedy for various ailments.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride is used as a magnesium supplement.
Magnesium Chloride supplements can help prevent magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium Sulfate is used in gardening to correct magnesium deficiency.
Adding Magnesium Sulfate to soil can promote plant health.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride is an inorganic compound with the formula MgCl₂.
Magnesium Chloride is commonly used to melt ice on roads in winter.
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium Sulfate has therapeutic uses in medicine.
Magnesium Sulfate is used medically to treat certain conditions like constipation.
Common Curiosities
How is Magnesium Chloride used in winter?
Magnesium Chloride is spread on roads to melt ice and snow.
Where does Magnesium Chloride come from?
Magnesium Chloride is extracted from seawater and brine.
What is Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate, or Epsom salt, is used as a laxative, bath additive, and in gardening.
Why is Magnesium Sulfate added to baths?
Magnesium Sulfate in baths can relieve sore muscles and reduce stress.
Is Magnesium Chloride edible?
Yes, food-grade Magnesium Chloride is used as a supplement and in food processing.
What is Magnesium Chloride?
Magnesium Chloride is an ionic compound used for de-icing and as a magnesium supplement.
Can Magnesium Chloride be taken as a supplement?
Yes, Magnesium Chloride is available as a dietary supplement for magnesium intake.
Can Magnesium Chloride help with magnesium deficiency?
Yes, taking Magnesium Chloride supplements can help address magnesium deficiency.
Is Magnesium Sulfate safe as a laxative?
Yes, when used as directed, Magnesium Sulfate is a safe and effective laxative.
What are the industrial uses of Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate is used in brewing, leather making, and as a drying agent.
Can Magnesium Sulfate relieve inflammation?
Yes, Magnesium Sulfate can reduce inflammation and swelling when used topically.
How is Magnesium Chloride different from table salt?
Magnesium Chloride contains magnesium and chloride ions, while table salt is sodium chloride.
How does Magnesium Sulfate benefit plants?
Magnesium Sulfate provides essential magnesium, promoting healthy plant growth.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
