What substances can react with magnesium?

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

What substances can react with magnesium?

Magnesium is a somewhat reactive metal in the alkaline earth family. It forms forms a 2+ ion. It reacts with non-metals such as hydrogen, nitrogen and halogens to form ionic compounds. It also reacts with acids and water. Here are some examples of reactions of magnesium:

Magnesium burns brightly in the presence of oxygen to produce MgO:

$\displaystyle{2}{M}{g{+}}{O}_{{2}}\to{2}{M}{g{{O}}}$

This reaction produces the bright sparks seen in fireworks.

Magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas:

$\displaystyle{M}{g{+}}{2}{H}{C}{l}\to{H}_{{2}}_{\left({g}\right)}+{M}{g{{C}}}{l}_{{2}}_{\left({a}{q}\right)}$

Magnesium reacts with water to produce magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen:

$\displaystyle{M}{g{+}}{2}{H}_{{2}}{O}\to{M}{g{{\left({O}{H}\right)}}}_{{2}}+{H}_{{2}}$

Magnesium reacts with halogens such as chlorine to produce salts:

$\displaystyle{M}{g{+}}{C}{l}_{{2}}\to{M}{g{{C}}}{l}_{{2}}$

Magnesium is also used in alloys with other metals to provide lightweight strength and corrosion resistance.

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