What is the difference between magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate？

Magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate differ in their chemical properties. Magnesium carbonate is a weak acid that dissolves in water and breaks down into magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide when heated. Magnesium oxide, on the other hand, is an alkaline oxide that is insoluble in water and does not decompose when heated.

The application industry and product characteristics of magnesium carbonate and magnesium oxide are different as follows: Application industry: Magnesium carbonate is mainly used in pharmaceutical intermediates, antacid, desiccant, color protection agent, carrier, anti-coagulation agent and so on; In food as an additive, magnesium element compensation agent; In fine chemical industry for the production of chemical reagents; Used as reinforcing agent and filler in rubber; Can be used as heat insulation, high temperature resistant fire insulation materials; Wire and cable manufacturing process important chemical raw materials, etc. Magnesium oxide is mainly used in silicon steel, catalyst, pharmaceutical industry, food industry, cosmetic raw materials, plastic additives, rubber additives, electrode materials, glass substrate materials and other fields. Product features: Magnesium carbonate is a colorless transparent crystal, alkaline, soluble in water, slightly alkaline; Magnesium oxide, on the other hand, is a white powder, alkaline and insoluble in water.

Magnesium carbonate is classified as follows:

Light magnesium carbonate: white brittle or loose white powder, odorless, stable in air. When heated to 700 ° C, it decomposes to produce magnesium oxide, carbon dioxide and water. At room temperature, it is a trihydrate salt. Heavy magnesium carbonate: white powder, tasteless, insoluble in water, heated to more than 150℃ decomposition, to produce magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide. At room temperature, it is hexahydrate salt.

The classification of magnesium oxide is as follows:

Light magnesium oxide: the molecular formula is MgO, the appearance is white or beige light powder, odorless and tasteless. Exposed to the air, it is easy to absorb water and carbon dioxide, insoluble in water and alcohol, and soluble in dilute acids. Active magnesium oxide: slow application, used for neoprene rubber filling, reinforcing and as a catalyst. Heavy magnesium oxide: Molecular formula MgO, appearance of white powder, odorless, insoluble in water. When heated to more than 1500℃, it becomes dead burned magnesium oxide (magnesia) or sintered magnesium oxide.