Magnesium chloride, commonly referred to as MgCl2, is a chemical compound that consists of one magnesium cation (Mg2+) and two chloride anions (Cl-). To determine whether MgCl2 is diamagnetic or paramagnetic, we need to examine the magnetic properties of its constituent ions, particularly focusing on the magnesium ion, as it is the key to understanding the compound's overall magnetic behavior.
Magnetic Properties of Ions
In chemistry, the magnetic properties of ions are primarily determined by the presence of unpaired electrons. Diamagnetism occurs when all electrons in an ion or molecule are paired, resulting in no net magnetic moment. On the other hand, paramagnetism is observed when there are unpaired electrons, leading to a net magnetic moment that aligns with an external magnetic field.
Magnesium Ion (Mg2+)
The magnesium ion, Mg2+, is formed when a neutral magnesium atom loses two electrons. The electronic configuration of a magnesium atom is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2. Upon losing two electrons, the configuration becomes 1s2 2s2 2p6, which means all electrons are paired. Since the Mg2+ ion has no unpaired electrons, it exhibits diamagnetic behavior.
Chloride Ion (Cl-)
The chloride ion, Cl-, is formed when a neutral chlorine atom gains one electron. The electronic configuration of a chlorine atom is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5. Upon gaining one electron, the configuration becomes 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6, resulting in all electrons being paired as well. Thus, the Cl- ion is also diamagnetic.
| Ion | Magnetic Property |
|---|---|
| Mg2+ | Diamagnetic |
| Cl- | Diamagnetic |
Conclusion on MgCl2’s Magnetic Property
Based on the analysis of the magnetic properties of its constituent ions, MgCl2 is diamagnetic. This conclusion is supported by the fact that both the magnesium and chloride ions have paired electrons, leading to no net magnetic moment. Therefore, MgCl2 does not exhibit paramagnetic behavior, which would require the presence of unpaired electrons.
What determines the magnetic property of an ion or compound?
+The magnetic property of an ion or compound is primarily determined by the presence or absence of unpaired electrons. Ions or compounds with all electrons paired are diamagnetic, while those with unpaired electrons are paramagnetic.
Is MgCl2 diamagnetic or paramagnetic?
+MgCl2 is diamagnetic because both its constituent ions, Mg2+ and Cl-, have all their electrons paired, resulting in no net magnetic moment.
