Magnesium dioxide

Description

Magnesium peroxide is a white, odorless crystalline solid. Molecular weight= 56.31 (MgO2); 40.3(MgO); Decomposes above 100℃. Insoluble in water.

Chemical Properties

Magnesium peroxide is a white, odorless crystalline solid.

Chemical Properties

White or slightly yellow, amorphous, light powder.

Uses

Bleaching and oxidizing agent, medicine (antacid).

Uses

Magnesium peroxide is used mainly in medicine for treating hyperacidity in the gastric intestinal tract, and in the treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and ketonuria. It is also used in the preparation of toothpaste and antiseptic ointments. All of these uses involve a mixture of magnesium peroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, and an admixture of magnesium carbonate. Magnesium peroxide is also used in bleaching and agricultural applications.

General Description

A white powder. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible material, if the combustible material is finely divided the mixture may be explosive. Mixtures of combustible material and the peroxide can be ignited by friction or contact with moisture. Used in medicine, and as a bleaching agent.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water and slowly decomposed by water, liberating oxygen.

Reactivity Profile

Mixtures of combustible material and the peroxide can be ignited with friction or moisture [AAR 1991]. Water gradually decomposes Magnesium dioxide liberating oxygen, with dilute acids Magnesium dioxide forms hydrogen peroxide, when strongly heated Magnesium dioxide losses all peroxide oxygen [Merck 11th ed. 1989].

Hazard

Powerful oxidizer and dangerous fire risk, reacts with acidic materials and moisture.

Health Hazard

Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May explode from heat or contamination. Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

Safety Profile

A powerful oxidizer. Probably a severe irritant to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Flammable by chemical reaction with acidic materials and moisture; an oxidizing agent. Dangerous; reacts vigorously with reducing agents; will decompose violently in or near a fire. See also MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS and PEROXIDES, INORGANIC.

Potential Exposure

Magnesium peroxide is used as a bleaching and oxidizing agent, and in the manufacture of antacids and antiinfective drugs.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

storage

Color Code—Yellow: Reactive Hazard; Store in alocation separate from other materials, especially flammables and combustibles. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Magnesium peroxide must be stored to avoid contact with acids, since violent reactions occur. Store intightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated areaaway from flammable and combustible materials. Keepmagnesium peroxide dry. In contact with moisture, it is adangerous fire hazard because it releases oxygen and muchheat. See OSHA Standard 1910.104 and NFPA 43A Codefor the Storage of Liquid and Solid Oxidizers for detailedhandling and storage regulations.

Shipping

UN1476 Magnesium peroxide, Hazard Class: 5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer.

Incompatibilities

Powerful oxidizer. Dangerous fire risk with flammable and combustible materials. Violent reaction with acids. Keep away from moisture; causes the release of oxygen and heat.

Raw materials

Preparation Products