What Is Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate?

What Is Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate? Uses, Benefits & Grades
Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate (MgCl₂·6H₂O) is a highly soluble inorganic salt widely used in pharmaceuticals, laboratories, industrial chemistry, textiles, and de-icing applications. Known for its stability and bioavailability, it’s an essential compound in both scientific and commercial sectors.
But what exactly makes this compound so important? Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Chemical
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is the hydrated form of magnesium chloride, meaning it contains six molecules of water per molecule of salt. Its molecular weight is approximately 203.3 g/mol, and it appears as colourless or white crystalline flakes.
This compound is hygroscopic, readily absorbing moisture from the air — which is one reason it’s so useful in various environmental and chemical processes.
Major Applications of MgCl₂·6H₂O
- Pharmaceutical Industry
Used in:
- IV solutions and electrolyte therapy
- Mineral supplements
- Saline laxatives and dialysis fluids
- Chemical Manufacturing
A key precursor in:
- Flame retardants
- Textile dye fixers
- Catalysts in organic reactions
- Construction Materials
Used in:
- Sorel cement (magnesium oxychloride cement)
- Flooring, walling, and fire-resistant panels
- De-icing & Dust Control
Ideal for melting snow/ice on roads and suppressing dust on construction sites. - Laboratory Use
LR-grade magnesium chloride is used for:
- Preparing buffer solutions
- Biochemical reactions
- Titration and test kits
Grades of Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate
| Grade | Use Case | Purity |
| LR Grade | Lab & Pharma | ≥99.5% |
| Industrial Grade | Cement, textile, general chemical | ≥98% |
| Technical Grade | De-icing, dust control | Variable |
Always choose the appropriate grade based on your application. Using industrial-grade in lab settings can affect experiment outcomes.
Documentation & Safety
When sourcing MgCl₂·6H₂O, ensure that your supplier provides:
- COA (Certificate of Analysis)
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
- Batch-level traceability
- GMP-compliant manufacturing (for pharma use)
Where to Buy in India?
Arch Industries, based in Sarnej, Gujarat, is a certified magnesium chloride manufacturer supplying:
- LR-grade magnesium chloride hexahydrate
- Industrial and bulk-grade material
- Custom-labelled packaging (25kg & 50kg)
- Documentation-ready shipments
Visit product page – Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate Manufacturers in India
Frequently Asked Questions—
Q1. What is the difference between anhydrous and hexahydrate magnesium chloride?
Ans – Hexahydrate contains water molecules; anhydrous does not. Hexahydrate is more soluble and stable for lab and industrial use.
Q2. Can I use industrial-grade MgCl₂ in pharma applications?
Ans – No, Only LR-grade material should be used in pharmaceuticals and lab environments to meet safety and purity standards.
Q3. Is this compound safe for environmental use?
Ans – Yes, It’s often used for road de-icing and dust control due to its non-corrosive and eco-friendly profile.
