MAGNESIUM PHOSPHATE

Magnesium phosphate is an ionic compound composed of the magnesium cation (Mg2+) and phosphate anion (PO43-). 
Magnesium phosphate is a salt with a hydrated crystalline structure. 
Being hydrated, the water of crystallization is found in the crystal structure of Magnesium phosphate.

CAS Number: 10233-87-1
IUPAC Name: magnesium;dihydrogen phosphate
Chemical Formula: Mg3O8P2

Other names: Phosphoric acid, magnesium salt (2:1), Magnesium phosphate (Mg(H2PO4)2), Magnesium dihydrogen phosphate, Magnesium hydrogen phosphate (MgH4(PO4)2), Magnesium biphosphate, Magnesium phosphate (1:2), Primary magnesium phosphate, Magnesium dihydrogen orthophosphate, Magnesium bis(orthophosphate), Magnesium phosphate, monobasic, Magnesium bis(dihydrogen phosphate), Magnesium orthophosphate (Mg(H2PO4)2), Monobasic magnesium phosphate, Magnesium hydrogen phosphate (Mg(H2PO4)2), Magnesium dibasic phosphate, Magnesium primary phosphate, Monomagnesium dihydrogen phosphate, Magnesium dihydrophosphate, Monomagnesium phosphate (MgH4P2O8), Phosphoric acid, magnesium salt (1:1), Magnesium phosphate (1:1), Dibasic magnesium phosphate, Magnesium hydrogen phosphate, Monomagnesium phosphate, Magnesium monohydrogen phosphate, Magnesium phosphate (MgHPO4), Magnesium hydrogen phosphate (MgHPO4), Phosphoric acid, magnesium salt (2:3), Tribasic magnesium phosphate, Trimagnesium phosphate, Trimagnesium diphosphate, Magnesium phosphate (Mg3(PO4)2), Trimagnesium diorthophosphate, Tertiary magnesium phosphate
 
Magnesium phosphate is found in amorphous forms also. 
The chemical formula of Magnesium phosphate is Mg3(PO4)2 and Magnesium phosphate chemical formula has the molecular weight of 262.855 g/mol. 

Magnesium phosphate is a general term for salts of magnesium and phosphate appearing in several forms and several hydrates:
Monomagnesium phosphate (Mg(H2PO4)2).xH2O
Dimagnesium phosphate (MgHPO4).xH2O
Trimagnesium phosphate (Mg3(PO4)2).xH2O
Amorphous magnesium phosphate is also claimed.

Magnesium(2+) ion hydrogen phosphate belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as alkaline earth metal phosphates. These are inorganic compounds in which the largest oxoanion is phosphate, and in which the heaviest atom not in an oxoanion is an alkaline earth metal. 
Based on a literature review a significant number of articles have been published on magnesium(2+) ion hydrogen phosphate.

Magnesium phosphate is found in nature as hydrated Monomagnesium phosphate, Dimagnesium phosphate or Trimagnesium phosphate.  
Magnesium phosphate appears as a white crystalline powder. 
Magnesium phosphate has a density of 2.195 g/mL at 298K. 
Magnesium phosphate has a melting point of 1457K.

Structure of Magnesium phosphate:
In the most common Magnesium phosphate, three divalent magnesium cations and two phosphate anions are attracted by means of the electrostatic force of attraction and an electrovalent structure of Magnesium phosphate is produced. 
Molecules of water of crystallization may be attached to their crystals also. 
Magnesium is an important macronutrient of the body. 
Magnesium phosphate is an essential substance in the formation of bones and muscles.

Different Types of Magnesium phosphate:
Besides the most common form Dimagnesium phosphate(Mg3(PO4)2.xH2O) different types of hydrated structures like Monomagnesium phosphate, Dimagnesium phosphate are found. 
Their chemical formulae are Mg(H2PO4)2.xH2O, MgHPO4.xH2O respectively.  

Chemical Nature of Magnesium phosphate:
Magnesium phosphate is a hydrated crystalline white powder with no odor. 
X-ray diffraction studies are utilized to detect the nature of chemical bond formation. 

Trimagnesium phosphate describes inorganic compounds with formula Mg3(PO4)2.xH2O. 
They are magnesium acid salts of phosphoric acid, with varying amounts of water of crystallization: x = 0, 5, 8, 22.
The octahydrate forms upon reaction of stoichiometric quantities of Monomagnesium phosphate (tetrahydrate) with magnesium hydroxide.
Mg(H2PO4)2•4H2O + 2 Mg(OH)2 → Mg3(PO4)2•8H2O

The octahydrate is found in nature as the mineral bobierrite.
The anhydrous compound is obtained by heating the hydrates to 400 °C. 
Magnesium phosphate is isostructural with cobalt(II) phosphate. 
The metal ions occupy both octahedral (six-coordinate) and pentacoordinate sites in a 1:2 ratio.

Magnesium phosphate cement materials are formed by reacting magnesium oxide with water-soluble phosphates such as monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP), which solidifies at ambient temperature through the formation of hydrated phases in the material. 
Rapid setting Magnesium phosphate (Mg glass) cementitious materials consisting of Magnesium phosphate cement paste, polyborax and water-saturated aggregate, exhibits rapid setting and high early strength characteristics.
Magnesium phosphate includes both Magnesium phosphate, dibasic, and Magnesium phosphate, tribasic. 

Magnesium phosphate, dibasic (MgHPO4·3H2O) occurs naturally as the white, crystalline mineral newberyite. 
Magnesium phosphate is prepared commercially as a precipitate formed by treating a solution of magnesium sulfate with disodium phosphate under controlled conditions. 
Magnesium phosphate, tribasic (Mg3(PO4)2·xH2O) may contain 4, 5, or 8 molecules of water of hydration. 
Magnesium phosphate is produced as a precipitate from a solution of magnesite with phosphoric acid. 

Magnesium phosphate forms with the help of 1-3 magnesium cations Mg2+ and 1-2 phosphate ions HPO4–, PO43-. 
As the salts are normally hydrated, the structure of the same surrounds by numerous molecules of water. 
Further, the name of the main Magnesium phosphate salts is said to be Monomagnesium phosphate (Mg (H2PO4)2, Dimagnesium phosphate MgHPO4 and Trimagnesium phosphate Mg3 (PO4)2). 
The molar mass of Monomagnesium phosphate is 120.28 g/mol whereas the molar mass of Dimagnesium phosphate is 218.28 g/mol. Finally, Trimagnesium phosphate’s molar mass is 262.85 g/mol.

Magnesium phosphates are mostly insoluble in water and form the following series: Magnesium phosphate (monobasic); Magnesium phosphate (dibasic) which is used as laxative, Magnesium phosphate (tribasic) is used as antacid in doses of 1 g orally. Metabolically they behave as sources of magnesium and phosphate ions. 
Mg3(PO4)2 is a white powder at room temperature. 
Magnesium phosphates is insoluable in water. 

Magnesium phosphates's melting point is 1184 ̊C (2163.2 ̊F), density 2.195 g/cm3. Mg3(PO4)2 is odorless. 
Magnesium phosphates is common in its hydrate forms Mg3(PO4)2.xH2O. 
Magnesium phosphate formula is represented as Mg3(PO4)2⋅ 
Magnesium phosphate is the magnesium acid salt of phosphoric acid. 
Magnesium phosphate is also known as Trimagnesium phosphate. 

Magnesium phosphate exists in different hydrated forms with varying amounts of water of crystallisation [Mg3(PO4)2⋅xH2O].
Magnesium phosphate formula is derived by using the criss-cross method.
The chemical formula of Magnesium phosphate is Mg3(PO4)2⋅ 
Magnesium phosphate contains magnesium (Mg2+) and phosphate (PO3–4) ions. 

There exists an ionic bond between magnesium and phosphate ions. 
Thus, Magnesium phosphate is considered an ionic compound.
Magnesium phosphate is an important mineral found in bones, in the seeds of many plants, and in a number of minerals. 
Magnesium phosphate has the formula Mg3(PO4)2.  

USES and APPLICATIONS of Magnesium phosphate:
Cosmetic Uses:    stabilising agents
Magnesium phosphate is a good source of both magnesium and phosphate. 
Magnesium phosphate is mostly used as a food stabilizer in the formulation of infant processed foods in order to fulfill proper nutrients and used as supplements. 

Magnesium phosphate is very important for relaxation of the muscle. 
In order to avoid muscle cramping, Magnesium phosphate must be used. 
Magnesium phosphate supports the membrane, maintains normal muscle activity including heart, helps in the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, and fat, helps in the manufacture of protein, regulates nerve cells. 
Besides, Magnesium phosphate is important in the formation of teeth. 
Magnesium phosphate is used as a source for both magnesium and phosphorus. 

Magnesium phosphate is used in minimal supplement.
Magnesium phosphate is used in the prevention of vitamin E deficiency.
Magnesium phosphate is used in foods at levels not to exceed current good manufacturing practice. 
Magnesium phosphate also may be used in infant formula.
Magnesium phosphate is used as a nutrient, pH control agent and stabilizer.

Magnesium phosphate is widely used in medication in order to support the relaxation of muscles. 
Magnesium phosphate is also used to prevent the cramping of muscles. 
Magnesium phosphate is also used to prevent vitamin E deficiency.
Moreover, Magnesium phosphate have common use in the food industry.
The use of Magnesium phosphate salts is commonly in the food industry. 

Further, Magnesium phosphate has common use as an acidity regulator. 
Moreover, Magnesium phosphate has also got uses in the agricultural field, which is in the form of fertilizer for the crops and soil conditioner.
Magnesium phosphate can be used as a nutrient supplement.
Magnesium phosphate is utilised as a dietary supplement for treating magnesium deficiency. 

Magnesium phosphate is majorly used as an acidity regulator in foods.
Magnesium phosphate is used in fertilisers.
Magnesium phosphate is used as a dentifrice polishing agent.
Magnesium phosphate is used in cosmetics, shampoos, toothpaste, perfumes, etc.
Magnesium phosphate is used as an adsorbent, stabilizer for plastics, etc.

Magnesium phosphate is also used in non-pesticidal agricultural products.
Magnesium phosphate is also used to treat vitamin E deficiency.
Magnesium phosphate is used as a dietary supplement for treating magnesium deficiency.
For silicate-containing cleaning agents, Magnesium phosphate is used as an anticaking agent.
The mineral finds application in the prevention of vitamin E deficiency.
Magnesium phosphate is used as a nutrient, pH control agent, and stabilizer.

Magnesium phosphate CHEMICAL FORMULA DERIVATION:
The chemical formula of Magnesium phosphate can be derived using the criss-cross method.
In the criss-cross method, using the valency of the individual elements, we can easily write its chemical formula. 
The symbol of the positive ion of a compound is written on the left side, and the symbol of the negative ion is written on the right side. 

Their valency is interchanged and written as subscripts. 
Signs of the charges are ignored. 
The subscript one is not often written. 
Using this, the chemical formula of Magnesium phosphate can be written as,Magnesium phosphate contains magnesium (Mg2+) and phosphate (PO3–4) radicals. 
The valency of magnesium radical is two, and that of phosphate ion is three. 
By criss-crossing this valency, the chemical formula of Magnesium phosphate is written as Mg3(PO4)2⋅

PREPARATION of Magnesium phosphate:
Magnesium phosphate can be prepared using the following methods: 

By the Reaction of Magnesium with Phosphoric Acid:
Magnesium phosphate is produced when magnesium metal is reacted with phosphoric acid. 
The chemical equation for the reaction can be represented as,
3Mg+2H3PO4→Mg3(PO4)2+3H2

By the Reaction of Magnesium Hydroxide and Phosphoric Acid: 
Magnesium hydroxide reacts with phosphoric acid to form Magnesium phosphate and water. 
The chemical equation for the reaction can be represented as,
2H3PO4+3Mg(OH)2→Mg3(PO4)2+6H2O

By the Reaction of Magnesium Oxide and Phosphoric Acid: 
Magnesium phosphate is produced when magnesium oxide reacts with phosphoric acid. 
The chemical equation for the reaction can be represented as,
3MgO+2H3PO4→Mg3(PO4)2+3H2O

By the Reaction between Trisodium Phosphate and Magnesium Sulphate: 
Magnesium phosphate is precipitated when magnesium sulphate is reacted with trisodium phosphate. 
The chemical equation for the reaction can be represented as,
3MgSO4+2Na3PO4→3Na2SO4+Mg3(PO4)2↓
The above reaction is an example of precipitation reaction.

This method can also be employed using magnesium chloride. 
That is, by the reaction between trisodium phosphate and magnesium chloride. 
The chemical equation for the reaction can be represented as,
3MgCl2+2Na3PO4→Mg3(PO4)2↓+6NaCl

By heating the naturally occurring hydrates of Magnesium phosphate to around 400∘C, we can get anhydrous Magnesium phosphate, Mg3(PO4)2.

PREPARATION of Magnesium phosphate:
Magnesium phosphate can be prepared in the laboratory by neutralizing tribasic orthophosphoric acid with magnesium hydroxide. 
The chemical equation is:
2H3PO4 + 3Mg(OH)2 = Mg3(PO4)2 + 6H2O

Monomagnesium phosphate tetrahydrate occurs in equilibrium with Dimagnesium phosphate trihydrate. 
Dimagnesium phosphate trihydrate can be prepared by the action of aqueous solution of any magnesium salt on any diacidic base or diammonium orthophosphate solution.

ACTION of WATER:
Magnesium phosphate is a water-soluble salt, which on the addition of water produces magnesium hydroxide and orthophosphoric acid which is just the reverse reaction of its formation.
Mg3(PO4)2 + 6H2O = 2H3PO4 + 3Mg(OH)2

ACTION of HYDROCHLORIC ACID:
Magnesium phosphate reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce magnesium chloride salt and orthophosphoric acid.
Mg3(PO4)2+ HCl = MgCl2 + H3PO4

Magnesium phosphate:
Magnesium phosphate or calcium magnesium orthophosphate has the molecular formula of CaMgO4P+. 
Calcium Magnesium phosphate is a special class of Magnesium phosphate where calcium ions are also included. 

FOOD SOURCES of MAGNESIUM and PHOSPHATE:
Many food sources are very much rich in magnesium and phosphate. 
Dark chocolate, avocado, nuts, legumes, tofu, flax, pumpkin, fatty fishes like salmon, mackerel, banana, spinach, mustard are the rich sources of magnesium. 
Besides, chicken, pork, seafood like cuttlefish, crab, salmon, catfish, dairy products, pumpkin, sunflower oil, nuts are important sources of phosphorus. 

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of Magnesium phosphate – Mg3(PO4)2 :
Magnesium phosphate is a salt when treated with water forms phosphoric acid and magnesium hydroxide. 
The chemical equation is given below.
Mg3(PO4)2 + H2O → H3PO4 + Mg(OH)2
Magnesium phosphate reacts with hydrochloric acid forms phosphoric acid and magnesium chloride.
Mg3(PO4)2 + HCl → MgCl2 + H3PO4

Most of the phosphates salts are soluble in water, but the magnesium salts are insoluble. 
Thus, this is because of the cation magnesium uses in order to produce insoluble compounds. 
Further, the same is the case with Magnesium hydroxide or magnesium sulfate. 
Moreover, as the phosphate salts work fine as an acidity regulator, it is because the phosphate ion resists the change of pH in a solution.

The reaction of Magnesium phosphate with Hydrochloric Acid:
Magnesium phosphate reacts with hydrochloric acid to give magnesium chloride salt and phosphoric acid as the products. 
The chemical equation for the reaction can be represented as,
Mg3(PO4)2+6HCl→3MgCl2+2H3PO4

The reaction of Magnesium phosphate with Sodium Hydroxide:
Magnesium phosphate reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium phosphate and magnesium hydroxide. 
The chemical equation for the reaction can be represented as,
Mg3(PO4)2+6NaOH→2Na3PO4+3Mg(OH)2
Phosphates or phosphate salts are generally good acidity regulators.

Magnesium phosphate when treated with water gives as product, phosphoric acid, and magnesium hydroxide.
Mg3(PO4)2 + H2O → H3PO4 + Mg(OH)2
The chemical coumpound forms phosphoric acid and magnesium chloride, upon reaction with hydrochloric acid.
Mg3(PO4)2 + HCl → MgCl2 + H3PO4 

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES of Magnesium phosphate:
All the three, Monomagnesium, Dimagnesium and Trimagensium Phosphate salts are white in colour. 
Magnesium phosphate is present in the form of a crystalline power and does not have any odour. 
Further, the melting point of the Trimagnesium salt is 1184 ºC. 
Magnesium phosphate is insoluble in water. 
However, Magnesium phosphate is soluble in a saturated solution of NaCl.

Magnesium phosphate appears as a white crystalline powder.
Generally, most phosphate salts are soluble in water. 
But Magnesium phosphate is insoluble in water because magnesium salts are usually insoluble in water. 
Magnesium cations generally form insoluble compounds. 
Magnesium phosphate is soluble in salt solutions. 
The melting point of Magnesium phosphate is 1457K.

PREPARATION of Magnesium phosphate:
One can easily prepare Magnesium phosphate by precipitation. 
Further, Magnesium phosphate requires the solution of tribasic sodium phosphate and magnesium chloride:
Na3PO4 + 3 MgCl2 → 3 Na+ + 6Cl– + Mg3PO4

Nonetheless, if we talk about the most common reaction for producing Monomagnesium phosphate, it is with Magnesium Oxide and Phosphoric Acid.
MgO + H3PO4 → MgH2PO4 + H2O

Further, with Monomagnesium phosphate salt, Magnesium phosphate may be formed with Dimagnesium phosphate salt and thus, phosphoric acid produces in the form of a side product.
Mg(H2PO4)2 + 3 H2O → Mg(HPO4).3H2O + H3PO4