Magnesium diboride
| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
| 3D model (JSmol) | |
| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.031.352 | 
| EC Number | 
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| PubChem CID | |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
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| Properties | |
| MgB2 | |
| Molar mass | 45.93 g/mol | 
| Density | 2.57 g/cm3 | 
| Melting point | 830 °C (1,530 °F; 1,100 K) (decomposes) | 
| Structure | |
| Hexagonal, hP3 | |
| P6/mmm, No. 191 | |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references | |
Magnesium diboride is the inorganic compound of magnesium and boron with the formula MgB2. It is a dark gray, water-insoluble solid. The compound becomes superconducting at 39 K (−234 °C), which has attracted attention. In terms of its composition, MgB2 differs strikingly from most low-temperature superconductors, which feature mainly transition metals. Its superconducting mechanism is primarily described by BCS theory.