At Specialty Organics, we provide advanced chemical solutions to customers ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. One of the chemical products we offer is magnesium methylate—also referred to as magnesium methoxide. We often maintain truckload supplies of the chemical to ensure we can readily ship out orders when our customers need it.

What Is Magnesium Methoxide?

Magnesium methoxide is a chemical compound represented with the following formula: Mg (OCH3)2. It is registered under CAS Number 109-88-6. It is commonly used as a crosslinking agent to create stable alcohol gels for industrial purposes.

Properties of Magnesium Methoxide

Magnesium methoxide ranges in color from clear to slightly yellowish. It has a density of 0.82 to 0.86 g/cm3, depending on the concentration and temperature, and a molecular weight of 86.373g/mol. Since it is hygroscopic, it is highly effective at forming gel-like substances when exposed to water. 

This compound is available in two concentrates dissolved within methanol: 8% and 10%. MGME-8 is a liquid form of magnesium methoxide that combines easy handling with a low-hydroxide formulation. It is available in 5-gallon pails or 55-gallon drums.

Benefits of Magnesium Methoxide 

MGME-8 benefits gel-forming and other chemical operations in many ways. For example: 

  • It is easier and safer to use than solid variations.
  • It is fast reacting and high yielding. 
  • It is less alkalic than sodium or calcium alkoxide
  • It has a methanol carrier solvent that is easy to remove.
  • It can be precipitated to facilitate removal.
  • It does not require milling, grinding, or pre-dissolving.
  • It is highly effective at removing trace moisture from reactions or anhydrous system

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Applications of Magnesium Methoxide

Magnesium methoxide is commonly used to form gels. However, it can be utilized as a key compound in many other chemical processes, including: 

  • Alkoxylation
  • Anionic polymerization reactions
  • Biodiesel preparation
  • Enolization and condensation of ketones and aldehydes
  • Methanolysis for DMT recovery
  • Overbased lubricating oil production
  • Polymerization of olefins and vinyls
  • Transesterification of acrylics, epoxies, and polyesters

Examples of typical applications include: 

Transesterification

In transesterification operations, magnesium methoxide is a catalyst that produces high yields under mild reaction conditions. It can reduce the risk of undesirable side reactions common with alkoxides, such as dehydration, polymerization, and ring opening. 

DMT Recovery

Magnesium methoxide can be used to depolymerize polyester scrap. The methanolysis of PET resin yields high-quality dimethyl terephthalate (DMT).

Acrylamide Production 

In acrylamide production operations, magnesium methoxide is ideal for reactions that involve methyl acrylate (MA) or methyl methacrylate (MMA) and aliphatic amides. The reaction conditions and yields will differ depending on the co-reactants used.

Alkoxylation 

Magnesium methoxide is a suitable catalyst for the alkoxylation of detergent-grade alcohols.

Polymerization

Magnesium methoxide accelerates the polymerization of olefins and vinyl monomers when used as a part of their compound catalyst systems. 

Contact Us for Your Magnesium Methoxide Needs Today

If you need magnesium methoxide, the experts at Specialty Organics are here to help. As a diversified chemical manufacturing company, we can provide chemical product solutions for a range of customer applications. We offer the compound in 5-gallon and 55-gallon quantities. Contact us today to place your order.