Abstract: Detailed time-and-space-averaged structure of MgSO4 in the concentrated aqueous solutions was investigated via X-ray diffraction with an X’pert Pro θ-θ diffractometer at 298 K, yielding structural function and radial distribution function(RDF). The developed KURVLR program was employed for the theoretical investigation in consideration of the ionic hydration and ion association. Multi-peaks Gaussian fitting method was applied to deconvolving the overlapping bands of Differential radial distribution function(DRDF). The calculation of the geometric model shows that octahedrally six-coordinated Mg(H2O)62+, with an Mg2+···OW bond length of 0.201 nm dominates in the solutions. There exists contact ion-pair(CIP) in the more concentrated solution(1:18, H2O/salt molar ratio) with a coordination number of 0.8 and a characteristic Mg···S distance of 0.340 nm. The result indicates the hydrated SO42– ion happens in the solution. The S···OW bond distance was determined to be 0.382 nm with a coordination number of 13. The fraction of CIP increases significantly with the increasing concentration. The symmetry of the hydration structure of sulfate ion is lowered by forming complex with magnesium ion.

Key words: Solution structure, X-Ray diffraction, Magnesium sulfate, Radial distribution function(RDF)