MgCu2

MgCu₂ is a binary intermetallic compound of magnesium (Mg) and copper (Cu) adopting cubic crystal structure, more specifically the C15 Laves phase. The space group of MgCu₂ is Fd3m with lattice parameter a = 7.04 Å.^[2]

MgCu2

The crystal structure of MgCu2. Magnesium is shown in green, copper in brown.
Names
IUPAC name Copper - magnesium (2:1)
Other names Cu2Mg
Identifiers
CAS Number	12054-17-0 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	57534863
PubChem CID	71355210
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID40779642
InChI InChI=1S/2Cu.Mg Key: BSBUOWMDDLTWGL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES [Mg].[Cu].[Cu]
Properties
Chemical formula	Cu2Mg
Molar mass	151.397 g·mol−1
Melting point	520 °C[1]
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Preparation

MgCu₂ can be prepared by hydrogenation of Mg₂Cu or the reaction of magnesium hydride and metallic copper at elevated temperature and pressure:^[3]

2 Mg₂Cu + 3 H₂ → 3 MgH₂ + MgCu₂

MgH₂ + 2 Cu → MgCu₂ + H₂

MgCu₂ can also be prepared by reacting of stoichiometric amounts of metals at about 380 °C in the presence of excess copper.^[4]

Properties

MgCu₂ can react with boron or its oxide to form magnesium borides.^[5] It can also react with magnesium hydride to produce orthorhombic Mg₂Cu, liberating hydrogen.^[6]