Magnesium nitrate
Magnesium nitrate is a hygroscopic salt with the formula Mg(NO3)2. In air, it quickly forms the hexahydrate with the formula Mg(NO3)2·6H2O (and molar weight of 256.41 g/mol). It is very soluble in both water and ethanol.
Uses
Magnesium nitrate occurs in mines and caverns as nitromagnesite. This form is not common, although it may be present where guano contacts magnesium-rich rock. It is used in the ceramics, printing, chemical and agriculture industries. Its fertilizer grade has 10.5% nitrogen and 9.4% magnesium, so it is listed as 10.5-0-0 + 9.4% Mg. Fertilizer blends containing magnesium nitrate usually have ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate and micronutrients; these blends are used in the greenhouse and hydroponics trade.
Production
The magnesium nitrate used in commerce is a man-made product. It can be synthesized in a variety of ways. The reaction between nitric acid and magnesium metal
results in magnesium nitrate.
Magnesium hydroxide and ammonium nitrate also react to form magnesium nitrate as ammonia is released as a by-product.
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