Is Magnesium Oxide reactive? If it is, can you please explain how reactive it is? Thanks so much!
One has to define reactive. Magnesium oxide hydrates easily, and is exothermic. It makes a great cement when mixed with magnesium cloride and water (with of course, sand, gravel, or whatever).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorel_cement
Yes, Magnesium Oxide (MgO) is considered to be a reactive compound.
To understand how reactive magnesium oxide is, we need to look at its chemical properties. Magnesium oxide is an inorganic compound composed of magnesium and oxygen atoms. It is a white, powdery substance that is commonly known as magnesia.
Magnesium oxide has a high melting point and is highly stable under normal conditions. This suggests that it is not very reactive at low temperatures. However, at higher temperatures, above 600°C (1112°F), magnesium oxide can exhibit significant reactivity.
One of the key reactions of magnesium oxide is its reaction with water. When magnesium oxide is exposed to water, it can undergo a reaction to produce magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2). This reaction is exothermic, which means it releases heat. Magnesium hydroxide is a strong base and is commonly used in antacids and laxatives for its ability to neutralize stomach acid.
Additionally, magnesium oxide can react with acids to produce salts and water. For example, when magnesium oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl), it forms magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and water.
Furthermore, magnesium oxide has a high affinity for carbon dioxide (CO2) and readily reacts with it to form magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). This reaction is used in various industrial processes to capture and remove CO2 from flue gas emissions.
In summary, while magnesium oxide is generally stable and unreactive at low temperatures, it exhibits reactivity at higher temperatures and can react with water, acids, and carbon dioxide. The degree of reactivity depends on the specific conditions and reactants involved.