Magnesium Chloride – A Compound for Treating Hypomagnesemia and an Additive in Intravenous Fluids

October 14, 2025

Magnesium chloride is better known as a supplement used to treat magnesium deficiency in the blood, also known as hypomagnesemia.

People with hypomagnesemia have blood magnesium levels below 1.8 mg/dL, while the ideal blood magnesium level is approximately [value] mg/dL. Symptoms range from decreased appetite to tingling sensations in the body.

These are examples of the use of magnesium chloride in the healthcare sector. But how is magnesium chloride used in laboratory applications?

Did you know that this compound readily reacts with various compounds to facilitate the synthesis of magnesium derivatives?

In addition, its high ionic conductivity makes it suitable for preparing electrolytes in electrochemical experiments. This compound can also effectively precipitate proteins and other charged molecules, which helps in purification and concentration processes.

What Is Magnesium Chloride?

Magnesium chloride is a salt that plays an important role in the chemical industry.

In Indonesia, magnesium chloride is commonly used as a textile dye additive in the textile industry, as a coagulant in the pulp industry, and as an additive in intravenous fluids. It is also used as an anti-icing agent for asphalt to help prevent roads from becoming slippery.

Magnesium chloride has the molecular formula MgCl₂ and a molecular weight of 95.211 g/mol. This product is commonly sold in the form of crystals and powder.

Structure of Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is an inorganic compound with a structure consisting of a close-packed arrangement with alternating layers of octahedral holes occupied by Mg²⁺ ions.

Magnesium chloride is formed through ionic bonds between Mg²⁺ ions and two Cl⁻ ions. Its structure is bent due to the presence of electron pairs around the magnesium ion, which reduce the bond angle from the ideal 180 degrees.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Magnesium Chloride

a. Physical Properties

Molecular formula: MgCl₂
Molecular weight: 95.211 g/mol
Color: White or colorless crystalline solid
Density: 2.32 g/cm³
Boiling point: 1,412°C
Melting point: 714°C

b. Chemical Properties

The reaction between magnesium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid occurs during the heating process. During this process, water of crystallization is gradually removed, resulting in a decrease in molecular weight.

Mg(OH)₂ + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂O

Magnesium chloride dissociates into magnesium and chloride ions when added to water. In this process, magnesium chloride separates into its constituent ions.

MgCl₂ + H₂O → Mg²⁺ (aq.) + 2Cl⁻ (aq.)

Magnesium chloride reacts with bases to produce magnesium hydroxide and a salt.

MgCl₂ + 2NaOH → Mg(OH)₂ + 2NaCl

Advantages of Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is a popular and versatile reagent. This compound readily reacts with various compounds to facilitate the synthesis of magnesium derivatives, including pharmaceutical and medicinal compounds.

Its high ionic conductivity makes it suitable for preparing electrolytes for electrochemical experiments and conductivity-related applications. This compound can also effectively precipitate proteins and other charged molecules, helping with purification and concentration processes.

Magnesium chloride can absorb moisture, making it useful for drying gases and liquids.

Applications of Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is widely used in the healthcare industry, but it also has applications in the following areas:

Textile dye additive
Raw material for the production of magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate
Coagulant in the pulp industry
Anti-icing agent for asphalt to help prevent roads from becoming slippery
Additive in intravenous fluids

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