A

David

Darling

hygroscopic

magnesium chloride

Magnesium chloride is both hygroscopic and deliquescent.


'Hygroscopic' is a term describing a substance that, on standing, reacts with or absorbs water vapor from the air. Magnesium chloride and concentrated sulfuric acid are typical examples. Some hygroscopic solids such as magnesium chloride, said to be deliquescent (see deliquescence), absorb sufficient water to dissolve, yielding a concentrated solution.