I want to make homemade "milk of magnesia" as a suspension containing only magnesium hydroxide and water.
I see that I can purchase a bag of magnesium hydroxide powder. Can I use this to make a suspension or is there a multi-step process?
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Sign up to join this communityI want to make homemade "milk of magnesia" as a suspension containing only magnesium hydroxide and water.
I see that I can purchase a bag of magnesium hydroxide powder. Can I use this to make a suspension or is there a multi-step process?
Milk of magnesia is typically just a suspension of about $\pu{8\%}$ wt/v (i.e. $\pu{8g / 100 mL}$) magnesium hydroxide in water. To get a good suspension you will want to have very fine magnesium hydroxide. Ideally, it should feel like flour when rubbed between you fingers. Regardless, there will be some settling and you will need to shake it thoroughly prior to each usage. No other preparation should be necessary.