Category: Chemistry Notes PPT

Wittig reaction is an important name reaction of organic chemistry. It is used in organic synthesis for the preparation of alkenes. It is a coupling reaction which is also known as Wittig olefination. It is different from Wittig rearrangement. The reaction is carried out by Wittig reagent which is a triphenyl phosphonium ylide. It is prepared by phosphonium salt and phosphonium salt is prepared by the reaction of triphenylphosphine with an alkyl halide. Typically, tetrahydrofuran (THF) or diethyl ether are used as solvent in the reaction. The Wittig reaction is named after German Chemist Georg Wittig who discovered it in 1954. He got the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1979 which he shared with Herbert C. Brown. 

What is Wittig Reaction? 

Wittig reaction is a chemical reaction in which a carbonyl compound (aldehyde or ketone) reacts with a triphenyl phosphonium ylide to give an alkene. Thus, it is a useful reaction to convert aldehydes or ketones into alkenes. In this reaction Wittig reagent reacts with carbonyl compound and gives alkenes and triphenylphosphine oxide as side product. The reaction is given below (General form)

Thus, we can say two main components of Wittig reaction are as follows –

Carbonyl compounds are those compounds which have -C=O group in them and an ylide is a species which has opposite formal charges (positive and negative) on adjacent atoms. In Wittig reaction phosphonium ylide is used. 

As you can see phosphonium ylide has a nucleophilic carbon. This carbon attacks on the carbon of the carbonyl group and initiates the reaction. 

Mechanism of Wittig Reaction 

Wittig reaction starts with the preparation of phosphonium ylide. Although ylides look like a difficult species, but their synthesis or preparation is quite easy and straightforward. Their preparation reactions simply follow a SN2 (bimolecular nucleophilic substitution) reaction mechanism. 

Preparation of Wittig Reagent – Triphenyl phosphine reacts with alkyl halide and forms triphenyl phosphonium salt. Now this triphenyl phosphonium salt is made to react with a strong base (such as CH3-Li) to give triphenyl phosphonium ylide. 

The Phosphate atom of triphenyl phosphine has a lone pair of electrons and act as an excellent nucleophile. This nucleophile attacks from the back on alkyl halide and displaces the leaving group (halide ion) which shows this reaction (preparation of ylide) follows SN2 reaction mechanism. Thus, formed phosphonium salt reacts with a strong base and goes through deprotonation and gives phosphonium ylide.  Reaction mechanism of preparation of Wittig reagent is given below –

Step 1. Reaction of alkyl halide with triphenylphosphine –

Remember, in the above step, we use either primary or secondary alkyl halide. Tertiary halide cannot be used. 

Step 2. Deprotonation 

After preparation of ylide mechanism of the Wittig reaction takes place by following three steps –

Step 1. Attack of ylide carbon on carbonyl – Now the above prepared phosphonium ylide reacts with carbonyl compound (aldehyde or ketone). The Ylide carbon attacks on the carbonyl group due to the pi-electrons of the carbonyl group shifts towards the oxygen atom. Thus, betaine is formed. 

Step 2. Attack of oxygen on phosphorus – Negatively charged oxygen atom attacks on positively charged phosphorus atom and forms oxaphosphetane. 

Step 3. Reverse [2+2] cycloaddition – In this step, in oxaphosphetane [2+2] reverse cycloaddition takes place which give rise to the main product alkene and side product triphenylphosphine oxide. 

In many cases, step 1 and step 2 takes place simultaneously. 

Examples of Wittig Reaction 

Significance of Wittig Reaction 

Importance of Wittig reaction can be understood by its popularity among the various methods of preparation of alkenes from aldehydes and ketones. Wittig reaction can be used for carbonyl compounds containing many functional groups. As Wittig reagent shows reactions with functional groups containing carbonyl compounds as well. It is a very effective method of preparation of alkenes. The geometry of the double bond can easily be predicted in the alkenes prepared by Wittig reaction, if the ylide’s nature is known. The components used in Wittig reaction are readily available or can be easily synthesized. It results in the formation of a new carbon – carbon double bond, which allows increase in carbon chain. 

Limitations of Wittig Reaction 

With many advantages, Wittig reaction has few limitations which are listed below –

• The main limitation of Wittig reaction is that the reaction proceeds mainly through betaine intermediate, which leads to Z – alkene. 

• The ylides lacking electron withdrawing groups form both Z and E isomers. Although Z – isomer dominates. 

• When sterically hindered ketones are used in Wittig reaction, the rate of reaction decreases.

Some variations of Wittig reactions are also available such as Schlosser modification. 

This ends our coverage on Wittig Reaction. We hope you enjoyed learning and were able to grasp the concepts. We hope after reading this article you will be able to answer questions related to this topic. If you are looking for solutions of NCERT Textbook problems based on this topic, then log on to website or download Learning App. By doing so, you will be able to access free PDFs of NCERT Solutions as well as Revision notes, Mock Tests and much more. 

Zinc acetate is a salt with the formula Zn(CH3CO2)2. Colorless solids, both the hydrate and anhydrous forms are widely used in chemical synthesis and as dietary supplements. Acetic acid reacts with zinc carbonate or zinc metal to produce zinc acetates. It has the E number E650 when used as a food additive.

It can be found in two forms: anhydrous and dihydrate. It’s a crystalline white solid. It has astringent properties. It’s a zinc molecular object as well as an acetate salt.

1. The formula of Zinc acetate is Zn(CH3COO)2(H2O)2

2. The molecular weight of Zinc acetate is 219.50 g/mol (dihydrate)

3. The density of Zinc acetate is 1.735 g/cm3 (dihydrate)

4. The melting point of Zinc acetate is 237 °C (Decomposes)

5. The boiling point of Zinc acetate

6. The appearance of zinc acetate is White solid (all forms)

7. Solubility in water is 43 g/100 mL (20 °C, dihydrate)

8. Solubility in methanol is 1.5 g/100 mL 

9. Magnetic susceptibility (χ) is −101.0·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol (H2O)

Zinc Acetate Structure

• Zinc is coordinated to four oxygen atoms in anhydrous zinc acetate to form a tetrahedral environment; these tetrahedral polyhedra are then interconnected by acetate ligands to form a variety of polymeric structures.

• The zinc in zinc acetate dihydrate is octahedral, with both acetate groups being bidentate.

Let us look at the Properties of Zinc acetate.

Properties of Zinc Acetate

In a vacuum, heating Zn(CH3CO2)2 allows the acetic anhydride to evaporate, leaving a trace of basic zinc acetate with the formula Zn4O(CH3CO2)6. The tetrahedral structure of this cluster compound is shown above. While it is slightly extended with Zn-O lengths, this species closely resembles the corresponding beryllium compound.

Uses of Zinc Acetate

1. Lozenges containing zinc acetate have been used to treat the common cold. Treatment for zinc deficiency can also be done with zinc acetate. As part of the cure for Wilson’s disease, it is taken as an oral daily supplement to prevent the body from absorbing copper. Zinc acetate is also available as an astringent in the form of an ointment, a topical lotion, or a combination of zinc acetate and an antibiotic such as erythromycin for the treatment of acne on the skin. It’s most widely used as an anti-itch ointment.

2. Wood protection, the manufacture of other zinc salts, polymers, the manufacture of ethyl acetate, as a dye mordant, and analytical reagent are all examples of industrial applications. It’s used as a plating inhibitor on primary water piping in commercial nuclear power plants.

Health Hazards

Inhaling zinc diacetate can cause slight irritation of the throat and nose, resulting in sneezing and coughing. Swallowing damages or irritates the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in vomiting. It’s a non-flammable substance.

Did You Know?

• Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare disease in Denmark, with a prevalence of one in every 500000 people. The exact cause of poor zinc absorption is unclear, but a tryptophan derivative called picolinic acid has been suggested as the deficient ligand. Symptoms typically occur 4–6 weeks after weaning, or sometimes earlier in infants who are not consuming breast milk. The child becomes irritable and withdraws, and photophobia grows. Untreated cases may result in anorexia, pica, growth deficiency, hypogonadism, impaired taste and smell, night blindness, and neuropsychiatric symptoms (mood swings, tremors, dysarthria, and jitteriness).

• Zinc has been used as a therapeutic modality for decades, whether in its elemental form or its different forms (salts). Zinc oxide, calamine, and zinc pyrithione are topical formulations that have been used as photo protectants, relaxing agents, and active ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoos. It’s been used for a range of dermatological conditions over the years, including infections (warts, leishmaniasis), inflammatory dermatoses (acne vulgaris, rosacea), pigmentary disorders (melasma), and neoplasias (skin cancers) (basal cell carcinoma). While the importance of oral zinc in human zinc deficiency syndromes such as acrodermatitis enteropathica has been recognized for some time, the importance of zinc as a micronutrient necessary for infant growth and development has only recently been recognized.

Chemicals have their distinct nature – they can be neutral or acidic or basic. These characteristics primarily depend on how many H⁺ or OH^– ions a particular chemical is releasing in its aqueous solution. 

 

For example, chemicals that release H+ ions are acidic, whereas those which release OH- ions are basic. 

 

These experiments are an integral part of Class 10 practical chemistry syllabus. Hence, to know about the pH of samples and how to determine that, keep on reading this article!   

Introduction 

pH, a measure of acidity or authenticity of aqueous or other liquid solutions. pH is one of the most common terms in the field of chemistry, biology, and agronomy, converting the value of hydrogen ions — typically between 1 and 10-14 (1 g) per liter — into numbers between 0 and 14. In clean water. , neutral hydrogen ion concentration is 10-7 gram-equivalents per liter, Solution with a pH of less than 7 is considered acidic; a solution with a pH greater than 7 is considered basic, or alkaline.

The measure was originally used by Danish biochemist S.P.L. Sørensen represents a mixture of hydrogen ions, expressed in proportion to each liter of liquid solution: pH = −log (H +)

Definition of pH

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) has a slightly different pH scale based on electrochemical estimates of standard bath solution. Basically, the description uses a number:

pH = -log aH +

where aH + represents hydrogen activity, which is the active combination of hydrogen ions in solution. This may be slightly different from the actual focus. IUPAC pH measurement includes thermodynamic factors, which can affect pH.

In most cases, a standard definition of pH is sufficient.

PH scale

The pH range is from 0 to 14. The pH of a solution is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity (base). You have probably used litmus paper, a paper that has been treated with a natural water-soluble dye to be used as an indicator of pH, to check how much acid or base (alkalinity) is present in the solution. You may have used some to ensure that the water in the outdoor pool is handled properly.

PH measurement

The pH of a solution can be determined using a tool such as a pH meter or various indicators that change their color accordingly depending on the type of test solution.

1. PH Meter: A measuring device called a pH meter can give pH up to two decimal places.

• PH meters are measured using bath solutions with pH known accuracy.

• Measure pH more accurately than indicators.

• Now the pH days are used to measure the pH.

2. Indicators: It is a substance that can be used to identify the nature of a chemical due to its color change.

• The indicator changes color when the pH of the solution changes slightly.

• If you use clues, it is best not to color the solution to be tested. If the solution is coloured, it can affect the color of the indicators.

The universal index or pH paper provides a relative pH value.

Test

Hydrochloric acid (HCl):

• Hydrochloric acid occurs as an aqueous solution or as a gas of hydrogen chloride (anhydrous hydrochloric acid).

• Hydrogen chloride gas is a colorless, non-combustible, edible gas with an offensive odor.

• When added to water it dissolves completely to form H⁺ ions and Cl^– ions.

•  Its pH is < 7.

• Used in composting, textile and rubber industries.

• Color Produced in the Universal Index by Dilute Hcl.

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH):

• It is often called caustic soda and is a solid base, naturally decomposing.

• When soaked in water it separates completely to form Na⁺ and OH^– ions.

• Its pH is > 7.

• Used to make soaps and detergents.

 

Theory:

Definition of pH

pH is defined as the negative logarithm (base 10) of hydrogen ion concentration. It is the most common way to determine the strength of base/acid. Often it is termed as “potential of hydrogen ion”. It is the molarity of H⁺ ion. 

 

Following is the pH value of different chemicals on a scale from 0 to 14. 

• Acid pH<7

• a pH of Base>7

• pH of neutral =7. 

 

pH Scale

A pH scale is used to determine the nature of a substance. Its value ranges from 0 to 14. This scale is logarithmic. It means that if an integer value increases or decreases, the concentration changes tenfold, accordingly. 

 

For example, pH 2 is ten times more acidic than pH 3. Furthermore, pH 12 is 100 times more basic than pH 10. 

 

pH Paper

A pH paper is a piece of paper used to find out if a solution is basic, acidic or neutral. This is determined by dipping part of the paper into a solution and observing the color change. 

 

A pH paper changes color in different solutions due to the chemical flavin. This molecule, which is an anthocyanin, is soluble in water and changes color in the presence of various types of solutions.

 

The packaging a pH paper comes in often includes a color-coded scale indicating the pH. This works in the following ways –

 

Universal Indicator

It is a mixture of several indicators and demonstrates a range of colors based on the pH of any particular solution. It is generally available in two forms, liquid solution of ethanol and pH paper, soaked in indicator solution.  

 

pH Value Chart

Aim:

To find the pH of the following samples using A) pH paper or B) Universal Indicator. The samples are –

1. Dilute HCl

2. Dilute Solution of NaOH

3. Salt NaCl

4. Dilute solution of Acetic(ethanoic) acid (CH3COOH)

5. Lemon juice

6. Water

7. Dilute solution of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)

 

Materials Required

For salt, make a solution by dissolving 1 gm salt into 10 mL distilled water. 

 

Procedure

Using a pH paper, 

• Take clean and dry 7 test tubes.

• Label the test tubes as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and place them in order in a test tube stand. 

• Take 10 mL of each given sample in the test tubes.

• Place a small portion of pH paper (about 2 cm) on a white glazed tile. 

• With the help of a glass rod or dropper, transfer 1 to 2 drops of dil. HCl from test tube A on the pH paper. 

• Compare it with the colors in the chart given above. 

• Note the pH given against the color which tallies with developed color on pH paper. 

• Repeat the same procedure for other samples as well and note their pH in the observation table. 

 

Observation

 

Result and Conclusion

 

Using Universal Indicator, 

• Take clean and dry 7 test tubes.

• Label the test tubes as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and place them in order in a test tube stand. 

• Take 10 mL of each given sample in the test tubes.

• Then add two drops of BDH (British Drug House) Universal indicator in each test tube. 

• Match the changed color of the solution with the pH color chart and note the pH on the observation table.

You will see that the observation table is looking the same as above. It indicates that you can use any of these two methods to determine the pH of any sample. 

 

Inference: 

1. Acid samples have a pH of less than 7. For example, the pH value of lemon juice. 

2. Basic samples have a pH of more than 7. For example, pH of sodium bicarbonate solution. 

3. Neutral samples have pH equals to 7. For example, the pH of water samples. 

The pH of soil determines if the soil is acidic or neutral or basic or alkaline. Generally, the soil has a pH range of 3 to 9. Below mentioned table shows the different pH values of different soil samples. 

 

Soil pH 

 

Determination of ph of Soil Samples Helps with Following Factors. 

• Soil pH determination helps in under
  standing the physical condition, nutrient availability, permeability, etc. 

• It can determine the potency of toxic elements of soil. 

• It provides an insight into the presence of microbial communities and its influence in the growth of the crops. 

• Based on this analysis, we can segregate the soil suited best for a specific crop. 

• It also ascertains the charge discharging into the soil that affects the nutrient of soils. 

 

Along with that, Following Table also Shows the pH of Different Water Samples.  

 

Precautions

A few precautions should be taken while determining the pH of samples. Otherwise, the result can be erroneous. Following are the tips –   

• Always use the freshly prepared sample solutions; even the fruit juice sample has to be fresh. 

• Use a rinsed and clean dropper.

• Mark each test tube carefully.

• Rinse the droppers and test tubes only with distilled water. 

• Clean tile needs to be used. 

 

Impact of pH

• The pH solution of a chemical depends on the temperature. The pH varies as the temperature changes. 

• The water pH is 7 at 25⁰C. 

• When water is heated, its pH becomes less than 7, but the water remains neutral. It happens because, at high temperature, water breaks down and produces more ions. Consequently, exactly the opposite happens when  

 

Rack Your Brains

1. Who Discovered the pH Scale?

1. S.P.L Sorenson

2. Henry Moseley

3. Benjamin Franklin

4. Wilhelm Rontgen

2. What is the pH of Saliva after a Meal?

1. 4.8

2. 5.8

3. 6.8

4. Less than 4

Answers: 1-A, 2-B. 

 

For more information regarding the pH of samples, stay tuned to ’s website. We have several practical lessons on our website; you can also download our app to stay updated about all the vital topics of chemistry on the go. 

Not every organism is capable of synthesizing food from carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), so the organisms gifted with this functionality are termed as ‘photoautotrophs’. Although the process of process of Photosynthesis is quite complex, we can briefly represent it in the form of following chemical equation which was first proposed by Cornelis van Neil.

 

 

This Glucose that is synthesized by plants is later consumed by humans or animals to release energy, carbon dioxide and water in a process called respiration.

Glycerol is also referred to as glycerin, which is a basic polyol compound. Glycerol is a colourless, odourless, and viscous liquid that is non-toxic and sweet-tasting. In certain lipids, the glycerol backbone is found which is referred to as triglycerides.

The chemical formula for Glycerol is: [C_{3}H_{8}O_{3}]

Glycerol is a polyol, a compound that contains more than one group of hydroxyls. There are three hydroxyl groups in its chemical structure, which are -OH groups bound to the carbon atoms. Glycerol has 3 Carbon atoms, 3 Oxygen atoms, and 8 Hydrogen atoms. Glycerol formula is given with its structural and extended chemical formula. Glycerine or glycerine is also known as glycerol is a viscous, colourless, non-toxic and simple triol compound. Glycerol is used in dermatological treatments and glycerin or glycerol has several benefits and is also used in the food industry as a preservative and sweetener.  Glycerol has the role as an osmolyte, a solvent, a detergent, a human metabolite, a saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an escherichia coli metabolite, a mouse metabolite, an algal metabolite and a geroprotector. Glycerol is a trigol and alditol.

Glycerin, the name of glycerol, is a triol compound that is an essential part of lipids from plants and animals. It is a dermatologist for dermatological treatments. Glycerol, in recent times we largely use as a biofuel. Also, glycerol is a simple polyol compound. And scientists find its backbone in those lipids that we know as glycerides. Glycerol has antiviral and antimicrobial properties that’s why industries widely used them in FDA approved wound and burn treatments

Glycerin is localised with osmotic diuretic and laxative effects and it is trihydroxy alcohol. By extracting water from tissues into interstitial fluid and plasma, glycerin elevates the blood plasma osmolality. The compound made by glycerol by some reaction Glycerin, this agent also prevents water reabsorption in the proximal tubule in the kidney leading to an increase in water and sodium excretion and a reduction in blood volume. By attracting water into the rectum, glycerin exerts a hyperosmotic laxative effect, thereby relieving constipation. 

Glycerol’s Occurrence

Glycerol is a triglyceride that is present in many plants such as soybean, palm and animals. Also, we can produce glycerol with the help of industrial methods to produce it from saponification or hydrolysis of triglycerides.

Glycerol Structural Formula:  

Glycerol, with three carbon atoms and three hydroxyl groups, is a trihydroxy sugar alcohol. It is an organic polyol compound with the IUPAC name of 1, 2, 3-Propanetriol because of the inclusion of various hydroxyl groups and carbon atoms. Because of the hydroxyl (-OH) groups bound to the carbon atoms, glycerol is soluble in water. The hygroscopic aspect of glycerol is also responsible for these hydroxyl groups, which ensures that it quickly retains or takes up water.

The structure of glycerol can be represented as:

The simplest structure of glycerol is depicted above, showing three carbon atoms, each covalently bonded to a hydroxyl group, as the basic backbone. Alternatively, as seen below, the molecule can be depicted as a Fischer projection, based on the second carbon atom.

Moreover, without the explicit description of the hydrogen atoms, the molecule can be seen with a more precise depiction of bond angles.

In the glycerol molecule, we have 3 carbon chains with 3 hydroxyl groups(OH) attached to each of them. In the molecule, carbon atoms have an sp3 configuration and so, the molecule has free rotation.

Also, the glycerol is soluble in water and is hygroscopic. This compound is important and its backbone is found in all lipids known as triglycerides. Glycerol’s use ranges from pharmaceuticals to the food industry and in cosmetics(like soaps).

Glycerol’s production

To produce glycerol,  the triglycerides undergo hydrolysis, saponification, transesterification, also the fatty acid derivative.

Glycerol Molecular Formula:

The Molecular formula of Glycerol is referred to as [C_{3}H_{8}O_{3}] OR [CH_{2}OH-CHOH-CH_{2}OH].

The molecular weight of glycerol is 92.09 g/mol. Glycerol is a triol with a propane structure placed by hydroxy groups at positions 1, 2, and 3. The glycerol density is 1.261 g/ml. Its boiling point is 290 degrees Celsius and 17.8 degrees Celsius is its melting point. These values mean that glycerol is denser than water (because the density of water is 1 g/mL), its boiling point is higher than water (the boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius) and its melting point is higher than water (water has a melting point of 0 degrees Celsius). Due to the capacity of the polyol groups to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, glycerol is easily soluble in water. With a specific gravity of 1.26, glycerol is significantly denser than water. That implies that it will fall to the bottom when glycerol is poured into a container of water. Owing to its solubility, however, glycerol can form an aqueous solution over time and with moderate agitation.

Glycerol’s Preparation

Preparation of glycerol, industries and laboratories extract the from animals and plant tissues. Production of glycerol is greater than before in recent years because of its capacity to be used as a biofuel(combustible alternative of fossil fuel). Also, we have some other organic synthetic procedures to produce glycerol.

As an example, the production of glycerol from acrolein involves the first oxidation of propene to acrolein, which is followed by a reduction to yield allyl alcohol. In the last second step, this alcohol reacts in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to form glycidol through epoxidation. In the final step, we do hydrolysis of glycidol to glycerol.

 Chemical Formula of Glycerol

In the chemical formula of glycerol, we have 3 carbon atoms, 8 hydrogens, and 3 oxygen atoms. The molecular weight of glycerol is 92.09g/mol and the IUPAC name is 1,2,3-Propanetriol or 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane.  Due to the presence of 3 hydroxyl groups, it has a high solubility in water and other polar protic solvents because of its capacity to form hydrogen bonds. And for its hygroscopic character, the hydroxyl group is responsible. As a precursor for the biosynthesis of triglycerides mediated by various enzymes such as glycerol kinase, glycerol present in lipids is a precursor.

Glycerol’s Uses

1. We use glycerol to power diesel generators supplying electricity.

2. In the film industry, when filming scenes involving water to stop areas from drying out too quickly.

3. In ultrasonic testing, we use glycerol as a replacement for water.

4. To produce hydrogen gas, we have used glycerol.

5. Glycerin is used as a solvent, humectant and vehicle in various pharmaceutical preparations.

6. Glycerol is used in pharmaceutical and personal care formulations as emollient and hydrant, such as in glycerin soaps and laxatives.

7. They widely use it in the preparation of polyacrylamide electrophoresis gel for proteins in molecular biology
   laboratories.

8. Also for storing biosamples, we use themes preservation crio-agents.

9. Glycerol is also used as a sweetener and preserver in foods, particularly, industries use it as an alternative to sugar as it comprises lesser calories in industry.

10. Also, glycerol has a very important use as antifreeze for cars and to produce explosive components such as trinitroglycerin.

Physical Properties of Glycerine

This compound appears as a colourless to brown coloured liquid. Also, this compound is combustible but may require some effort to ignite.

Physical properties of glycerol

Glycerol is very similar to syrup, it is clear, colourless and a very viscous liquid. And its melting point is about -20 degrees celsius the sublimation point is -290 degrees celsius, and 1.250g/m/l is its density and it is highly hygroscopic. And glycerol is familiar to water, easily soluble and is combustible but does not ignite easily.

Safety hazards and glycerol health

Eye damage can be caused by glycerol. Glycerol is extremely combustible and can explode if heated. Also, it is incombustible with potassium permanganate, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide and nitrobenzene.

Conclusion:

The glycerol which is also referred to as glycerine has a formula C3H8O3. In the food industry and personal care products, glycerol is mainly found. It is also used to create explosives as antifreeze and also as one of the ingredients. We will address the different uses of glycerol in this segment. Glycerol is also used as a raw material for Hydrogen Production.

Magnesium Chloride is an ionic compound. The molecular formula of magnesium chloride is MgCl₂. It is generally used in industrial, food, and medical industries. It is mainly used for dust control and road stabilization and de-icing of highways, sidewalks in snowy places. Apart from the production of magnesium metal, magnesium chloride is also used for a variety of other applications, fertilizers, and mineral supplements for animals, wastewater treatment, fireproofing agents, types of cement, and refrigeration brine. 

What are Ionic Compounds?

An Ionic compound is a chemical compound that is composed of both metals and nonmetals. The bond is formed on the basis of electrostatic forces between negatively (anion) and positively (cation) charged ions. Ionic bonding occurs when one or more electrons from one atom get transferred to another. The Magnesium Chloride formula is derived when Magnesium and Chloride ions combine to form the ionic compound MgCl₂ (Magnesium Chloride).

What is a Structural Formula?

The formula that shows how the atoms in a molecule are bonded together and by what kinds of bonds is called a structural formula. It indicates the arrangement of atoms within a molecule by connecting atoms with a line or lines to represent a chemical bond.

Example: H – Cl,        H-O-H, O=C= O, H-N-H

|

H

The structural formula gives the bonding sequence of atoms in the molecule. Example: The 3 atoms in CO₂ (Carbon dioxide) are bonded O=C=O, not O=O=C.

The Symbols in the Magnesium Chloride Formula

Magnesium (solid) = Mg

Chlorine (gas) = Cl

Deriving the Magnesium and Chlorine Formula

Let us look into the steps to write the chemical formula of Magnesium Chloride.

1. Write the symbols for each element. 

2. Look at the molecular formula of magnesium chloride and charge for each element using the Periodic table. Write it above each element.

Valency of Mg = 2+

Valency of Cl = 1-

Mg2+ Cl-1

3. See, if the charges are balanced. 

4. Add subscripts to the elements if necessary so the charge for the entire compound becomes zero.

5. Use the crisscross method to check whether it is done correctly. 

Mg2+ Cl-1 

Mg1 Cl2

Note: We really do not have to write the subscript 1. Then we can remove the charges. To verify whether the method is correct, we need to go through the following steps:

1. Remember Mg has two positive charges and chlorine has one negative charge. 

2. After doing the crisscross method, we have two chlorine atoms, which is two times the one minus to get a negative two there, and in magnesium, one time the two-plus to get positive two. Therefore, plus two minus two add up to zero. Hence the net charge is 0. 

Thus, we conclude that the derivation of the formula for Magnesium Chloride is correct. Therefore, the Magnesium Chloride equation can be written as 

Mg (S) + Cl2 (g)  [rightarrow] MgCl₂(S)

The method of crisscross is the foundation of Chemistry. This method can be used in deriving formulas for any other compound. Understanding the periodic table and learning the valency of each element is important. 

Magnesium chloride-An Alkaline Earth metal.

Magnesium is the element found in the second column of the periodic table. It is from the family of alkaline earth metals. The other members of the same family are calcium and beryllium. Magnesium is a very light and silvery metal in pure form. 

Magnesium chloride is a chemical substance with a chemical formulas of MgCl₂ and its various hydrates MgCl₂ₓ. Anhydrous MgCl₂ consists of 25.5% elemental magnesium by mass. These salts are mainly ionic halides and are highly soluble in water. The hydrated magnesium chloride can be obtained from brine or sea water.

Ionic compound

MgCl₂ is an ionic compound because magnesium is a metal and it has a positive charge of 2. 

Properties of Magnesium Chloride

• The molecular weight/molar mass of MgCl₂ is 95.211 g/mol in anhydrous state.

• Density of magnesium chloride is 2.32 g/cm3 in anhydrou state

• The boiling point of magnesium is 1,412 0C

• The melting point is 7140C

Cl– Cl– Mg2+

Magnesium Chloride Structure – MgCl2

Applications of Magnesium

Magnesium chloride may be used as a supplement to recover the deficiency of magnesium. It is also helpful for diabetic people and also for high blood pressure.It is also useful in fighting depression and cancer disease.

Magnesium supplements also help sports people. Athletes or sports people can take magnesium supplements for boosting energy and athletic performance.

Intake of magnesium also has some drawbacks.

Intake of magnesium can also produce certain side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach problems. Such problems can be avoided by taking magnesium supplements with food. Generally, nuts, seeds, dark leafy vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products are the best sources of magnesium.