JAMB - Chemistry (2025 - No. 87)

Magnesium tetraoxosulphate(VI) salt is commonly used as a
disinfectant
plasticizer
fertilizer
laxative

Explanation

Magnesium tetraoxosulphate(VI) salt, commonly known as magnesium sulphate or Epsom salt, is a saline laxative used for short-term relief of constipation. When taken orally, magnesium sulphate acts as an osmotic purgative or saline laxative. It draws water into the intestines, softening the stool and increasing bowel movements.

A. disinfectant: Disinfectants are chemical substances used to destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. Magnesium sulfate is not primarily used as a disinfectant.

B. plasticizer: Plasticizers are additives used to increase the plasticity or fluidity of a material. This is not a use of magnesium sulphate.

C. fertilizer: While magnesium sulfate is used in agriculture as a fertilizer to add magnesium and sulphur to the soil, its use as a laxative is a more common and direct application in a general/medical context, as implied by the multiple-choice question format asking for the most common use among the given options.

In the context of the typical educational question, the medical use is often the intended answer, which is option D - Laxative

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