Magnesium chloride is a chemical compound of magnesium and chlorine. This compound and its hydrates form water-soluble ionic halide salts; the compound can be extracted from brine or from mineral sea beds. Lacking these resources, manufacturers can instead regenerate magnesium chloride by combining magnesium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid. According to Drugs.com, it is also manufactured naturally by the human body, and appears in certain foods. This compound can be used in culinary, industrial, medical and safety applications.
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium chloride is used to treat magnesium deficiency, according to Drugs.com. It can be derived from food sources such as fish, legumes and tofu, or taken as a dietary supplement. Although magnesium chloride supplements are generally considered safe, you should talk with your physician if you take antibiotics or medication for ADHD, thyroid disease, Paget's disease or osteoporosis.
Tofu Coagulent
Chinese and Japanese tofu manufacturers use nigari, which is primarily comprised of magnesium chloride, to coagulate and solidify blocks of tofu. According to the Soy Milk Maker website, 16 oz. of nigari can coagulate up to 120 lbs. of tofu.
Concrete De-Icer
Magnesium chloride is one of several salts used to de-ice concrete walkways and patios. This compound offers several advantages over other types of de-icers, says Tim Carter of Ask the Builder. While sodium chloride can only melt snow and ice down to about 16 degrees F, magnesium chloride keeps working until the temperature dips below --13 degrees F. It releases fewer chlorides into the environment and causes less damage to concrete. Unlike other de-icers, magnesium chloride does not leave a white residue when tracked into your home.
Dust Control
Liquid magnesium chloride, when sprinkled on dirt and gravel roads, can help control dust in the air generated by vehicles traveling on these roads. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, magnesium chloride draws humidity out of the air, keeping the unimproved roads damp enough to reduce airborne dust.
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