Bath salts
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4)
Structure
-Type of compound: MgSO4 is ionic because it contains a metal and a non-metal[in this case a polyatomic((SO4)2-)]
-Breaking down MgSO4: In the molecule Mg takes a charge of 2+ and S04(polyatomic) takes a charge of 2-. In each molecule of magnesium sulfate there is 1 Mg and 1 SO4 this is because magnesium needs to lose 2 electrons to be complete and Sulfate needs 2 electrons to be complete so they suit each others needs.
-The sulfateās shape in Magnesium Sulphate is tetrahedral
the oxygen elements are slightly negative and the sulfur is
slightly positive because S has a higher EN by more then .5 but less than 1.7
Epsom Salt
Magnesium sulfate is also known as Epsom salts. Has been used for skin and beauty for a very long time. It is proved that both Magnesium and sulfate are both absorb through the skin making it convenient for human health and very southing for the muscles.
(MgSO4) Magnesium & the body: Magnesium helps the body in many ways including keeping enzyme production regulated, prevents artery hardening, reduces inflammation, and helps muscles and nerves function.
(MgSO4) Sulfate & the body: Sulfate flushes out toxins, helps absorb nutrients, and ease migraines.
Health Benefits
-Relieves pain from muscles
MgSO4 is non for soothing muscles, loosening tight muscles that create pain.
-Relaxes body (calms stress)
Stress drains the body of Mg, Epsom salts replenish the body with Mg. This is important because Mg helps produce a chemical called Serotonin, that helps create calmness and peace within you.
-Helps muscles and nerves function
MgSO4 is proven to regulate electrolytes in the body, improving muscle and nerve function. When used with calcium, magnesium is a main conductor of electric impulses in the body.
-Prevents hardening of arteries
MgSO4 is said to improve heart conditions by improving blood circulation, reducing blood clots which reduces the chance of a random heart attack.
-Makes insulin more effective
Proper levels of Mg and SO4 increase effectiveness of insulin reducing chance of diabetes.
-Relieves constipation
Epsom salts if taken internally, act as a laxative by increasing water in the intestines helping flush out waist but this can also be very dangerous
-Eliminates toxins from the body
Sulfate in MgSO4 help flush heavy metal and toxins out of cells helping the body rid harmful substances and toxins
Epsom Salt uses
Health
-Athletes foot: relieves symptoms of athletes foot
-Remove splinters: Draws out the splinter
-Treat toenail fungus: Prevents further inflammation
-Soothe sprains and bruises: Reduce pain and swelling
Beauty
-Eliminates dead skin
-Face cleanser
-Eliminates black heads
-Removes foot odor
-Removes hairspray
It does this because when working with beauty Epsom Salts acts as a exfoliator meaning it brakes apart or sheds one thing from another.
Example: It exfoliates dead skin from your face
Household
-Clean household tiles
-Hand washer
It does this due to the fact it exfoliates
Example: it exfoliates excess dirt off your hands when washing them
Gardening
-Fertilize your house plants: Mg & S help most plants remain healthy
-Keep plants green: MgSO4 crystals are vital nutrients to plants to help them contain their natural color
-Get ride of insects: Epsom salts on your lawn is a safe and effective way to keep bugs and best away
When dissolved in water (magnesium sulphate heptahydrate)
The compound is 5.73% H, 9.86% Mg, 71.40% O, and 13.01% S. The formula is MgSO4*7H2O.The magnesium in magnesium sulphate heptahydrate formally is in the oxidation state 2. Water and magnesium sulfate form a homogeneous mixture (clear liquid) provided the concentration is low enough that the magnesium sulfate is completely soluble. When added to water MgS04 decomposes. Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate is not combustible, and does not contribute to the intensity of a fire. When heated and it decomposes it may emit toxins into the air.
Physical Properties (anhydrous)
Color: white
-Appearance: crystalline solid
-Melting point: 1127 degres C
it has a high boiling point because it is an ionic bond and ionic bonds are bonded not attracted making it hard to break apart the compound
-Solubility in water: Highly soluble
Water and magnesium sulfate form a homogeneous mixture (clear liquid) provided the concentration is low enough that the magnesium sulfate is completely soluble.
-Conductivity in water: good
This is because its ionic. When an ionic bond is put into water it decomposes and the positive component of the bond goes to the negative side and the negative component goes to the positive side fuelling the conducting the electricity
-Molar mass: 24.31 + 32.07 + 4 x 16.00 = 120.366 g/mol
Epsom Salts Chemical Properties
MgSO4 Side effects
MgSO4 can cause many side effects even though it is said it is the cure for the bodies muscles, the side effects include:
- an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);
- heart disturbances;
- breathing difficulties;
- poor reflexes;
- confusion, extreme tiredness or weakness;
- low body temperature;
- severe headache;
- fainting;
- rash or flushing;
- vision problems; or
- nausea or vomiting
A lot of these side effects are due to the fact that MgSO4 (bath salts) loosens the body and makes you more relaxed. For example when it makes your muscles more relaxed and loose the side effect could be poor reflexes. Another example is when MgSO4 is taken internally it helps constipation but can also cause constant diarrhea which is not healthy.
How to use safely
MgSO4 alternative (sea salt)
Reference List
http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp
-Magnesium compounds: magnesium sulphate heptahydrate,
http://www.webelements.com/compounds/magnesium/Mg-1_SO4-1_OH2-7.html
-MAGNESIUM SULFATE ANHYDROUS,
http://www.atmos.umd.edu/~russ/MSDS/magnesium_sulfate_anhydrous.htm
- Melissa Conrad, Magnesium Sulphate Side Effects Centre,
http://www.rxlist.com/magnesium-sulfate-side-effects-drug-center.htm
-Ellen Douglas, Substitutes for Epsom Salts,
http://www.livestrong.com/article/263914-substitutes-for-epsom-salts/