Magnesium chloride is a chemical compound with the formula MgCl₂. It is a white, odorless, and highly soluble solid. It is found naturally in seawater, brine, and mineral deposits.
Magnesium chloride has a variety of uses, including:
- As a dietary supplement: Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body. Magnesium chloride can be used to increase magnesium intake in people who are deficient.
- In medicine: Magnesium chloride is used as a laxative, an anti-convulsant, and to treat magnesium deficiency.
- In industry: Magnesium chloride is used in the production of magnesium metal, cement, and fire retardants. It is also used as a dust suppressant on roads and as a de-icing agent.
