Solubility of MgSO47H2O in water

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the solubility of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (epsom salt) in water at 20°C. Participants explore various sources for solubility values, the implications of hydration, and the nuances of measuring solubility in practical terms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes difficulty in finding a definitive solubility value for epsom salt, citing a Wikipedia entry of 113g/100ml and other conflicting sources.
  • Another participant suggests that access to academic journals does not require enrollment in a university, proposing a visit to local university libraries.
  • Multiple sources are referenced, with one indicating a solubility of 3 moles per kg of water at 20°C, translating to approximately 74g per 100g of water, while another source states 35.6g/100g.
  • Concerns are raised about whether the solubility values account for the water of hydration in the heptahydrate form.
  • One participant expresses confusion about how to interpret solubility values in relation to the addition of epsom salt to water, questioning if the values represent the total solution or just the solute.
  • Another participant suggests that solubility data is typically reported for the anhydrous form unless stated otherwise, leading to further discussion on how to interpret the data.
  • There is a proposal that the solubility values might differ based on whether the data refers to the heptahydrate or anhydrous form of magnesium sulfate.
  • One participant mentions that hydration can enhance solubility, citing examples from other salts.
  • Discussions include how to calculate solubility in terms of weight/weight percentage and the implications of the water content from the solute itself.
  • Another participant speculates that all sources might be correct in their own contexts, suggesting that the solubility values could vary based on the definitions used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty and disagreement regarding the correct interpretation of solubility values, the role of hydration, and the definitions used in various sources. No consensus is reached on a definitive solubility value.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the available sources, including potential differences in definitions of solubility, the impact of hydration, and the need for precise measurements in practical applications.

  • #31
I was naively under the impression that all these data was available on the Material Safety Data Sheet for the compound in question. As in a search like “msds MgSO47H2O”…
 
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  • #32
Me too.

But that MSDS doesn't contain enough information to determine the solubility at 10°C in g/g H2O. It also says that epsom salt is hygroscopic without any elaboration.

One of the websites I came across was this one where someone explains how they grow crystals of various salts as a hobby. It actually looks kind of fun. Maybe I will grow a big epsom salt crystal now. :-)
 
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  • #33
No, one of the weaknesses of the MSDSs are that they don't all contain the same info. It depends on who printed them and for what use they were intended. Sorry.
 
  • #34
Don't use SDS and similar date for solubility. They can be wildly inaccurate.

A reaxys search shows that the solubility of the heptahydrate to be 29.77 wt% at 35 C. (E. L. Simons, 1951: https://doi.org/10.1021/ja01153a087)

I indexed a Russian journal stating 27.47 wt% at 25 C, but I cannot access the article directly.
 
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  • #35
Thank you for that. Those values are consistent with the data from Millipore Sigma that I included in the graph above.

I believe I'm finished with determining epsom salt solubility. The bigger problem of pottery glaze chemistry and all the variables of application and firing are much more complicated and often not entirely solvable. I think sometimes I gravitate towards less important but more tractable problems as an escape.
 

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