Expert: Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr. - 8/4/2004

Question
How could I seperate Magnesium Sulfate (epsom salt) into just the Magnesium and Sulfur?
I was thinking heat the compound to about 245 degrees F.  I wasn't sure if that would seperate it. Because I forgot whether Ionic compounds decompose at melting points... Or would a Single Displacement reaction work best? And if so, which element would be the easiest to get and easiest to perform the reaction with.

I want Sulfur to play with and epsom salt is the only thing I have that contains it. What would be a good way to use the Magnesium? I have my parents watching me when I mess with stuff like this.

Answer
245F will only get you hot epsom salts.  Higher temperatures (say >850C) will probably give sulfur oxide gases (nasty) and Mg oxides.  If you want sulfur, go to a drug store and buy it.  I believe most still carry it.  Magnesium metal is hazardous and you should stay away from it.

Note playing with sulfur can be dangerous due to some of the compounds it can form.  You must never do any experiment except under the direction of a parent.

Henry Boyter, Jr.
PhD Chemist

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