Differences Between Anhydrous Magnesium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate

Anhydrous magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) and magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl₂•6H₂O) are two different forms of magnesium chloride. Their main differences lie in chemical composition, physical properties, applications and production methods. The detailed comparison is as follows:

1. Chemical Composition

· Anhydrous magnesium chloride: Pure magnesium chloride without crystal water, chemical formula: MgCl₂.

· Magnesium chloride hexahydrate: A crystalline hydrate formed by the combination of magnesium chloride and six water molecules, chemical formula: MgCl₂•6H₂O.

2. Physical Properties

3. Other Differences

· Water Content: Anhydrous magnesium chloride contains no crystal water, while magnesium chloride hexahydrate contains six water molecules.

· Thermal Stability: Anhydrous magnesium chloride is stable at high temperatures; magnesium chloride hexahydrate is prone to dehydration and decomposition when heated.

· Hygroscopicity: Anhydrous magnesium chloride has much stronger hygroscopicity and requires sealed storage; magnesium chloride hexahydrate is relatively stable.

· Application Focus: Anhydrous magnesium chloride is mostly used in high-temperature or moisture-sensitive scenarios such as electrolytic magnesium production. Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is commonly applied in low-temperature applications or scenarios with controlled water content, such as deicing agents.

· Price: The price of anhydrous magnesium chloride ranges from RMB 2,800 to 6,500 per ton. The price of flake magnesium chloride hexahydrate is about RMB 300 to 1,600 per ton. The price difference is mainly determined by grade (food grade / industrial grade), purity, quality, production process and raw materials.

4. Summary

In practical applications, most users have clear parameter requirements according to actual usage demands. For anhydrous magnesium chloride, for instance, customers specify purity (98% or 99%), shape (powder or lump), and other quality indicators.

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