after baking epsom salts for 2hrs @ 200C, the salts when from large clear crystals to a hard white sheet that turned to powder when scaping. i scraped and put in an oven dried mason jar. is this anh. MgSO4?

also can you microware dry MgSO4 and CaCl2?

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after baking epsom salts for 2hrs @ 200C, the salts when from large clear crystals to a hard white sheet that turned to powder when scaping. i scraped and put in an oven dried mason jar. is this anh. MgSO4?

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Yes, you have anhydrous MgSO4 now.

also can you microware dry MgSO4 and CaCl2?

yes, just put it on a pyrex and nuke it/check it until crunchy and hard frosty white.  U may need to change the position on the turny-tray so it doesn it evenly.

Careful microwaving! Start at low power, heat for a few minutes, let cool, repeat at slightly higher power for a few minutes, let cool, increase power a little, etc.

Otherwise you can have an orange hot spot in the  MgSO4 that will be hot enough to melt the pyrex; the heating is uneven enough to break it also. You avoid this by using a turntable, and by doing the drying in increments of increasing power.

I'm still trying to find the proper time and temperature needed to make DampRid (CaCl2) anhydrous. Anyone know? I have used TFSE and searched the Net, but I can't find this info.  

"loses all H2O at 200°"

HTH

(the CaCl2 i buy is anhydrous. you'll notice when it doesn't lose any H2O anymore.)

OK... thanks for the info. I thought DampRid might react differently because of its low purity... guess not.