Magnesium oxide

Compound with the symbol MgO, obtained by calcination of magnesian rocks. It is odorless, insoluble in water and with a melting temperature of 2800°C. It is prepared by burning magnesium in an oxygen stream or by heating magnesium carbonate. Magnesium is a fundamental component of the chlorophyll molecule and other metal-organic compounds. It therefore plays an important role in chlorophyll photosynthesis and is present in phytin, pectic substances and other organic compounds and also plays the role of activator for many enzymatic systems such as ATP. This element is accumulated by plants mainly in the reserve tissues in a cationic form. Like the other cations, its absorption is due to the exchange complex and therefore to the C.S.C. and it is also regulated by its balanced ratio with potassium.

Chemical formula