Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide (MgO), also known as magnesia, is a white, hygroscopic solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase and serves as a source of magnesium.
Magnesium oxide is produced through the calcination process of magnesium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide.

Magnesium oxide is used as an antacid to relieve heartburn and dyspepsia, as a magnesium supplement, and as a short-term laxative.
It is also used to improve indigestion symptoms related to digestion. However, its use has some side effects, which may include nausea or cramping. When taken in sufficient quantities to achieve a laxative effect, long-term use can lead to enteroliths that cause intestinal obstruction.
As a food additive, it is used as an anticaking agent. It is specified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cocoa products and is used as an additive in canned peas and frozen desserts. Its E number is E530.
The tubular structure is frequently used as an electrical insulator in heating equipment.
It is used as a reagent in the installation of the carboxybenzyl group using benzyl chloroformate in EtOAc for the N-protection of amines and amides.
It is also used as an insulation material in heat-resistant electrical cables.
MgO addition has been shown to effectively prevent grain growth in ceramics and to improve fracture toughness by altering the crack growth mechanism at the nanoscale.