The principal source of this ice control chemical is brines from the Great Salt Lake. Though it is available in solid (flake) form, it is used in liquid form for ice control. The lowest temperature at which MgCl

2

can melt snow or ice (eutectic temperature) is about -28 degrees Fahrenheit at a concentration of 21.6 percent. Its ice melting capacity is about 40 percent greater than Calcium Chloride CaCl

2

. Proprietary mixtures are available containing 20 percent to 25 percent MgCl

2

with various corrosion inhibitor additives. One proprietary compound reportedly has an eutectic temperature of -4 degrees Fahrenheit. These solutions are effective ice-melting agents at temperatures above 19 degrees Fahrenheit.

With its competitive price and low freezing point, magnesium chloride works well as both a de-icer and anti-icer. It contains a corrosion inhibitor making it less damaging to concrete and steel than other products and it is less harmful to the environment than calcium chloride and sodium chloride.

Manufacturer recommends no pre-treatment should occur unless the roads are already wet.