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The chemistry of the various magnesium sulfate products revolves mainly around the functionality of magnesium. When magnesium sulfate is dissolved, available magnesium is released. In its hydrated, ionic form, magnesium can be highly reactive with other compounds. It also has a very high biological activity.
When dissolved, the magnesium ion has a +2 charge. The ion is attracted to negatively charged compounds and can either react with or adsorb onto the surface of those materials. The byproduct can be a new magnesium compound, such as a magnesium silicate. In some cases the magnesium ion modifies the surface charge of the material, thereby changing its solubility or dispersion characteristics. Occasionally the ion will be incorporated into an existing structure, thereby altering its physical properties. An example of this action is magnesium’s binding to cellulose fibers in oxygen delignification of pulp.
Magnesium’s solubility and charge also contribute to its biological activity. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for plants and for animals. It participates in numerous metabolic processes. Magnesium is an important biological coenzyme and is needed for photosynthesis, for amino acid production, and for glycolysis and energy metabolism. Magnesium is required for nerve and muscle functions, bone and teeth development, regulation of heart rate, and many digestive processes.
Sulfur is also an important nutrient. It is needed for protein synthesis and nitrogen fixation. The combination of magnesium and sulfate make magnesium sulfate heptahydrate an ideal supplement for both livestock feed and agricultural applications.
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