Question

What is the chemical name of the following element?
\[Mg{(HC{O_3})_2}\]

Answer 1

Hint: In order to give the chemical name for \[Mg{(HC{O_3})_2}\], we must know which is the cation and anion present. \[Mg{(HC{O_3})_2}\] is a highly unstable compound of Magnesium. It can easily decompose into Magnesium carbonate, \[MgC{O_3}\]. It is a basic compound as it has a pH value which is around 8.3. It can exist only in a solution state.

Complete step by step answer:
- The chemical name for the compound \[Mg{(HC{O_3})_2}\] is Magnesium bicarbonate. It is having an IUPAC name which is Magnesium hydrogen carbonate.
- \[Mg{(HC{O_3})_2}\] is a type of salt, in which the bicarbonate is the anion present and Magnesium is the cation present.
- Magnesium bicarbonate is present in aqueous solution form. Lithium will form a solid bicarbonate compound but Magnesium cannot do so.
- Magnesium bicarbonate can be produced by treating Magnesium hydroxide with carbon dioxide. The product formed will be in solution form. The reaction is given below:
\[Mg{(OH)_2} + C{O_2} \to Mg{(HC{O_3})_2}\]
Magnesium hydroxide, \[Mg{(OH)_2}\]is also known as the milk of magnesia.
- On drying the above obtained solution, \[Mg{(HC{O_3})_2}\] will decompose to produce Magnesium carbonate, \[MgC{O_3}\] along with carbon dioxide and water.
\[M{g^{2 + }} + 2HCO_3^ - \to MgC{O_3} + C{O_2} + {H_2}O\]
Therefore, the chemical name of \[Mg{(HC{O_3})_2}\] is Magnesium bicarbonate or Magnesium hydrogen carbonate.

Additional information:
The characteristics of Magnesium bicarbonate compound is given below:
- Magnesium bicarbonate is a basic compound.
- It has a pH value of around 8.3.
- It is odourless.
- It is soluble in water.
- It is present in the solution form.
- It has a molecular weight of 146.3387g.
- Boiling point of \[Mg{(HC{O_3})_2}\] is around \[333.6^\circ C\] at 760mm Hg.

Note: Various Uses of Magnesium bicarbonate are given below:
- Magnesium bicarbonate is used for treating patients with renal insufficiency and given to the patients cautiously during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Magnesium bicarbonate is used as an antacid. It will decrease the hyperacidity in conditions like Hiatal hernia, peptic ulcers, gastric and reflux esophagitis.