Magnesium tetraoxosulphate(VI) salt is commonly used as a

Answer Details

Magnesium tetraoxosulphate(VI) is the systematic name for magnesium sulphate (MgSO\(_4\)). In its hydrated form, MgSO\(_4\)\(\cdot\)7H\(_2\)O, it is commonly known as Epsom salt.

Epsom salt is widely used in medicine as a laxative. When taken orally, magnesium sulphate draws water into the intestines by osmosis (it is poorly absorbed), which softens the stool and stimulates bowel movement. This makes it an effective saline laxative.

The other options do not match:

• A disinfectant kills microorganisms - examples include sodium hypochlorite or phenol, not MgSO\(_4\).
• A plasticizer is added to polymers to increase flexibility - these are typically organic esters such as dioctyl phthalate.
• While magnesium and sulphur are plant nutrients, MgSO\(_4\) is not the standard compound referred to as a fertilizer at examination level. Its primary and best-known use is as a laxative.