Abstract

A variety of magnesium compounds and minerals are found both in seawater and in the earth's crust. Commercial magnesium compounds are widely used in chemical processing, whether in the production of paper or rayon fiber, or as a catalyst, filler, flame retardant, alkaline material, stable coating for magnetic recording media, or wastewater or flue gas scrubber. Magnesium hydroxide is a common over-the-counter antacid and laxative. Additionally, the branch of synthetic organic chemistry known as Grignard reactions is based on magnesium compounds. Magnesium forms stable salts with most common anions, such as acetate, carbonate, the halides, hydroxide, oxide, and sulfide, as well as with some less common ones such as vanadates. Many magnesium alkyls are also known. The production, properties, economics, uses, safe handling, and analysis of the commercial magnesium compounds are described.