Record Information
Version1.0
Creation Date2009-07-21 20:27:21 UTC
Update Date2026-05-14 16:45:09 UTC
Accession NumberCHEM002240
Identification
Common NameMagnesium Sulfate
ClassSmall Molecule
DescriptionA small colorless crystal used as an anticonvulsant, a cathartic, and an electrolyte replenisher in the treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. It causes direct inhibition of action potentials in myometrial muscle cells. Excitation and contraction are uncoupled, which decreases the frequency and force of contractions. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1992, p1083)
Contaminant Sources
  • EAFUS Chemicals
  • HMDB Contaminants - Urine
  • HPV EPA Chemicals
  • OECD HPV Chemicals
  • T3DB toxins
Contaminant Type
  • Analgesic
  • Anesthetic
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agent
  • Anticonvulsant
  • Calcium Channel Blocker
  • Drug
  • Household Toxin
  • Inorganic Compound
  • Metabolite
  • Synthetic Compound
  • Tocolytic Agent
Chemical Structure
Thumb
Synonyms
ValueSource
Magnesium sulfate (1:1)ChEBI
Magnesium sulfate anhydrousChEBI
Magnesium sulphateChEBI
Magnesium(II) sulfateChEBI
MagnesiumsulfatChEBI
MgSO4ChEBI
Sulphate OF magnesiaChEBI
Magnesium sulfuric acid (1:1)Generator
Magnesium sulphate (1:1)Generator
Magnesium sulphuric acid (1:1)Generator
Magnesium sulfuric acid anhydrousGenerator
Magnesium sulphate anhydrousGenerator
Magnesium sulphuric acid anhydrousGenerator
Magnesium sulfuric acidGenerator
Magnesium sulphuric acidGenerator
Magnesium(II) sulfuric acidGenerator
Magnesium(II) sulphateGenerator
Magnesium(II) sulphuric acidGenerator
MagnesiumsulphatGenerator
Sulfate OF magnesiaGenerator
Sulfuric acid OF magnesiaGenerator
Sulphuric acid OF magnesiaGenerator
Bitter saltHMDB
Magnesium sulfate driedHMDB
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrateHMDB
Magnesium sulphate driedHMDB
Magnesium sulphate heptahydrateHMDB
Magnesium sulphate hydrateHMDB
Heptahydrate magnesium sulfateMeSH
Magnesium sulfate, heptahydrateMeSH
Sulfate, magnesiumMeSH
Chemical FormulaMgO4S
Average Molecular Mass120.368 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass119.937 g/mol
CAS Registry Number7487-88-9
IUPAC Namemagnesium(2+) sulfate
Traditional Namemagnesium(2+) ion sulfate
SMILES[Mg++].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O
InChI IdentifierInChI=1S/Mg.H2O4S/c;1-5(2,3)4/h;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q+2;/p-2
InChI KeyCSNNHWWHGAXBCP-UHFFFAOYSA-L
Chemical Taxonomy
Description belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as alkaline earth metal sulfates. These are inorganic compounds in which the largest oxoanion is sulfate, and in which the heaviest atom not in an oxoanion is an alkaline earth metal.
KingdomInorganic compounds
Super ClassMixed metal/non-metal compounds
ClassAlkaline earth metal oxoanionic compounds
Sub ClassAlkaline earth metal sulfates
Direct ParentAlkaline earth metal sulfates
Alternative Parents
Substituents
  • Alkaline earth metal sulfate
  • Inorganic oxide
  • Inorganic salt
Molecular FrameworkNot Available
External Descriptors
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginExogenous
Cellular Locations
  • Cytoplasm
  • Extracellular
  • Membrane
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
PathwaysNot Available
Applications
Biological Roles
Chemical RolesNot Available
Physical Properties
StateSolid
AppearanceWhite powder.
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting Point1124°C (decomposition)
Boiling PointNot Available
Solubility710 mg/mL
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
logP-0.84ChemAxon
pKa (Strongest Acidic)-3ChemAxon
Physiological Charge-2ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count4ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count0ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area80.26 ŲChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count0ChemAxon
Refractivity11.53 m³·mol⁻¹ChemAxon
Polarizability5.81 ųChemAxon
Number of Rings0ChemAxon
Bioavailability1ChemAxon
Rule of FiveYesChemAxon
Ghose FilterNoChemAxon
Veber's RuleNoChemAxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemAxon
Spectra
Spectra
Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyView
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, Positivesplash10-014i-0900000000-ecce6224eba6c0478dfdSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-00di-0900000000-847e43052c710c4334efSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-00di-0900000000-847e43052c710c4334efSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-00di-0900000000-847e43052c710c4334efSpectrum
Toxicity Profile
Route of ExposureParenteral(intravenous, intramuscular) oral.
Mechanism of ToxicityMagnesium is the second most plentiful cation of the intracellular fluids. It is essential for the activity of many enzyme systems and plays an important role with regard to neurochemical transmission and muscular excitability. Magnesium sulfate reduces striated muscle contractions and blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission by reducing acetylcholine release at the myoneural junction. Additionally, Magnesium inhibits Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive, voltage-dependent channels. This accounts for much of its relaxant action on vascular smooth muscle.
MetabolismMagnesium is almost exclusively excreted in the urine, with 90% of the dose excreted during the first 24 hours after an intravenous infusion of MgSO4. The pharmacokinetic profile of MgSO4 after intravenous administration can be described by a 2-compartment model with a rapid distribution (a) phase, followed by a relative slow beta phase of elimination. Route of Elimination: Magnesium is excreted solely by the kidney at a rate proportional to the serum concentration and glomerular filtration. Half Life: 43.2 hours (for newborns)
Toxicity ValuesLD50: 1200 mg/kg (rat, parenteral-subcutaneous). The first warning of impending toxicity is loss of the patellar reflex at plasma concentrations between 3.5 and 5 mmol/L. Respiratory paralysis occurs at 5 to 6.5 mmol/L. Cardiac conduction is altered at greater than 7.5 mmol/L, and cardiac arrest can be expected when concentrations of magnesium exceed 12.5 mmol/L.
Lethal DoseNot Available
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/SourcesOral magnesium sulfate, or magnesium hydroxide, is commonly used as a saline laxative. Epsom salt is also available in a gel form for topical application in treating aches and pains. Magnesium sulfate can be used to treat eclampsia in pregnant women. It can also delay labor in the case of premature labor, to delay preterm birth.In agriculture and gardening, magnesium sulfate is used to correct magnesium deficiency in soil, since magnesium is an essential element in the chlorophyll molecule. It can also be used as an anesthesic. A concentration of 1.8 to 3.0 mmol/L has been suggested for treatment of eclamptic convulsions.
Minimum Risk Level3.5 mmol/L in blood.
Health EffectsMay cause a potentially dangerous rash that may develop into Stevens Johnson syndrome, an extremely rare but potentially fatal skin disease. Respiratory paralysis occurs at 5 to 6.5 mmol/L. Cardiac conduction is altered at greater than 7.5 mmol/L, and cardiac arrest can be expected when concentrations of magnesium exceed 12.5 mmol/L.
SymptomsAdverse reactions include hypotension, ECG changes, diarrhea, urinary retention, CNS depression and respiratory depression.
TreatmentEYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention. INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration.
Concentrations
Not Available
DrugBank IDDB00653
HMDB IDHMDB0014791
FooDB IDNot Available
Phenol Explorer IDNot Available
KNApSAcK IDNot Available
BiGG IDNot Available
BioCyc IDNot Available
METLIN IDNot Available
PDB IDNot Available
Wikipedia LinkMagnesium sulfate
Chemspider IDNot Available
ChEBI ID32599
PubChem Compound ID24083
Kegg Compound IDNot Available
YMDB IDNot Available
ECMDB IDNot Available
References
Synthesis Reference

Shinichi Yamamoto, Akifumi Sekitani, “BASIC MAGNESIUM SULFATE GRANULE, AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF.” U.S. Patent US20110042297, issued February 24, 2011.

MSDSLink
General References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=8991630