Understanding Magnesium Hydroxide: Function as Stomach Medicine and Purgative

KOMPAS.com – Alkaline earth metal hydroxide compounds which in suspension form are used as stomach medicines are…

Be(OH)2
Mg(OH)2
Ca(OH)2
Sr(OH)2
Ba(OH)2

The answer is b. Mg(OH)2 or magnesium hydroxide. To understand it better, see the explanation below!

Also read: Alkaline Earth Metals: Elements and Properties

Definition of magnesium hydroxide

Reporting from Chemistry LibreTexts, magnesium hydroxide is an inorganic compound in the form of a white solid with low solubility in water.

Magnesium hydroxide has the chemical formula Mg(OH)2 and is a hydroxide compound of the alkaline earth metal with atomic number 12, namely magnesium.

Magnesium hydroxide is made by combining magnesium salts with alkaline water.

Also read: Characteristics of Alkaline Solutions

Function of magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2

Antacid

Reporting from Healthline, magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) can neutralize stomach acid, so it can be used as a stomach medicine.

Magnesium hydroxide has alkaline properties which can neutralize acid produced by the stomach with the following reaction:

Mg(OH)2 + 2HCl → MgCl2 + 2H2O

Meanwhile, magnesium hydroxide dissolves in dilute acid, helping it neutralize stomach acid more easily.

Also read: How Strong is Human Gastric Acid?

Purgative

Apart from being used as a stomach medicine, magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) is also used as a laxative.

Hydroxide ions produced by magnesium hydroxide to neutralize the stomach move to the intestines (if Mg(OH)2 is used in larger doses).

Reporting from PubChem, hydroxide ions in the intestine attract and retain water, thereby increasing bowel movements or peristalsis.

This can help a person to defecate.

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2023-11-06 14:00:00
#Alkaline #Earth #Hydroxide #Compounds #Gastric #Medicine #Kompas.com