Magnesium sulfate decomposes into magnesium oxide (MgO) and sulfur trioxide (SO). The heptahydrate can be prepared by neutralizing sulfuric acid with magnesium carbonate or oxide, but it is usually obtained directly from natural sources. It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. Magnesium sulfate is a common mineral pharmaceutical preparation of magnesium, commonly known as Epsom salt, used both externally and internally. Magnesium sulfate is highly water-soluble and solubility is inhibited with lipids typically used in lotions. Lotions often employ the use of emulsions or suspensions to include both oil
Magnesium acetate LiCl, MgSO and MgCl were all compared to see what effect they had on the "Escherichia coli" enzyme Primase. The experimenters found that Mg(OAc) caused the best conformational change. MgSO and MgCl induced the effect slightly while the rest did not. When magnesium acetate is mixed with hydrogen peroxide it acts as a bactericidal. Magnesium acetate has been shown to be effective at ashing organic compounds in preparation for a fluorine analysis when high or low concentrations of fluorine are present. Magnesium acetate is a relatively safe compound to handle and has been given a health hazard rating of zero.