Mercuric chloride is a toxic compound with the formula HgCl2. It’s a white crystalline solid used in laboratories as a reagent and disinfectant, but proper handling is essential.
| IUPAC Name | Mercury(II) chloride |
| Molecular Formula | HgCl2 |
| CAS Number | 7487-94-7 |
| Synonyms | Mercury dichloride, Mercuric dichloride, Mercury bichloride, Mercury(II) dichloride |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2ClH.Hg/h2*1H;/q;;+2/p-2 |
Mercuric Chloride Properties
Mercuric Chloride Formula
The formula of mercuric dichloride is HgCl2. It consists of one mercury (Hg) atom and two chlorine (Cl) atoms. This compound is also known as Mercury(II) chloride, symbolizing the +2 oxidation state of mercury.
Mercuric Chloride Molar Mass
The molar mass of mercuric dichloride is approximately 271.52 g/mol. It is calculated by adding the atomic masses of one mercury atom (200.59 g/mol) and two chlorine atoms (35.45 g/mol each).
Mercuric Chloride Boiling Point
Mercuric dichloride has a boiling point of around 302 °C (575.6 °F). At this temperature, the solid Mercuric dichloride transforms into a vapor state.
Mercuric Chloride Melting Point
The melting point of mercuric dichloride is approximately -71 °C (-95.8 °F). At this temperature, the solid mercuric dichloride turns into a liquid.
Mercuric Chloride Density g/mL
The density of mercuric dichloride is about 5.4 g/mL. This high density makes it a relatively heavy substance.
Mercuric Chloride Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of mercuric dichloride is roughly 271.52 g/mol. It indicates the mass of one mole of the compound and is the sum of its atomic weights.
Mercuric Chloride Structure
Mercuric dichloride has a crystalline structure. It consists of positively charged mercury ions (Hg2+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-), held together by ionic bonds. The arrangement forms a lattice-like pattern.
Mercuric Chloride Solubility
Mercuric dichloride exhibits limited solubility in water. Approximately 7.7 grams of mercuric dichloride can dissolve in 100 mL of water at room temperature (20 °C). Its solubility increases with higher temperatures.
Mercuric dichloride is a highly toxic substance and should be handled with extreme caution. It has been widely used in various applications, including as a reagent in chemical laboratories, as a disinfectant, and in electroplating processes. Due to its toxicity, it is crucial to follow proper safety protocols when working with this compound.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 5.4 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 271.52 g/mol |
| Density | 5.4 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -71 °C (-95.8 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 302 °C (575.6 °F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Limited |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol, ether |
| Vapour Pressure | Negligible |
| Vapour Density | 8.23 (air = 1) |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Acidic (in water) |
Mercuric Chloride Safety and Hazards
Mercuric dichloride poses significant safety hazards due to its extreme toxicity. Direct contact with the skin or inhalation of its fumes can lead to severe health issues. It’s vital to handle it with utmost care, using appropriate protective gear like gloves and a respirator. Always work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure. Store it in tightly sealed containers, away from incompatible substances. In case of accidental ingestion or exposure, seek immediate medical attention. Proper disposal methods must be followed to prevent environmental contamination. Overall, strict adherence to safety protocols is crucial when dealing with mercuric dichloride.
| Hazard Symbols | Skull and Crossbones, Corrosive |
| Safety Description | Highly toxic and corrosive. Use with extreme caution. Avoid direct contact and inhalation of fumes. |
| UN IDs | UN1624 (Mercury compounds, n.o.s.) |
| HS Code | 2852.10.10 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic substances) |
| Packing Group | II (Intermediate) |
| Toxicity | Extremely toxic to humans and animals. Handle with care and follow strict safety protocols. |
Mercuric Chloride Synthesis Methods
There are various methods for synthesizing mercuric dichloride.
One common approach involves the reaction of mercury metal with hydrochloric acid. In a controlled setting, add mercury to the acid to produce mercuric dichloride and release hydrogen gas. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
Hg + 2HCl -> HgCl2 + H2
Another method employs the reaction between mercury oxide (HgO) and hydrochloric acid. Combine mercury oxide with the acid to form mercuric dichloride and water:
HgO + 2HCl -> HgCl2 + H2O
Additionally, one can produce mercuric dichloride by reacting mercury with chlorine gas:
Hg + Cl2 -> HgCl2
Remember, only conduct the synthesis of mercuric dichloride in a well-ventilated fume hood or under controlled conditions due to its toxic and corrosive nature. Careful handling and adherence to safety guidelines are essential to prevent any harmful exposure during the synthesis process.
Mercuric Chloride Uses
Mercuric dichloride, also known as mercury(II) chloride, has found various applications across different fields due to its unique properties. Here are some of its key uses:
Laboratory Reagent: Mercuric dichloride serves as an important reagent in chemical laboratories for various analytical and synthetic procedures.
Disinfectant: Its strong antimicrobial properties make it valuable as a disinfectant, especially for sterilizing equipment and surfaces.
Medicine: Though limited due to its toxicity, it has been used in traditional medicine for certain ailments.
Photography: In the past, mercuric chloride played a role in early photography as a fixing agent for developing photographs.
Electroplating: In electroplating processes, individuals utilize mercuric dichloride as an electrolyte to deposit metal coatings on various objects.
Wood Preservation: Throughout history, people have employed it to treat wood, protecting it from decay and pests.
Textile Industry: Manufacturers have used mercuric chloride to remove color from textiles during dyeing processes.
Analytical Chemistry: Chemists employ it for specific tests and reactions in chemical analysis.
Niche Organic Synthesis: It finds applications in specific organic synthesis reactions.
Fungicide and Algicide: Farmers actively use it as a fungicide and algicide to control fungal and algal growth in agriculture.
Questions:
Q: Is HgCl2 soluble or insoluble in water?
A: HgCl2 is slightly soluble in water.
Q: What is the cation and anion for HgCl2 compound?
A: The cation is Hg2+ (mercury) and the anion is Cl- (chloride).
Q: Is HgCl2 ionic or covalent?
A: HgCl2 is an ionic compound.
Q: How to make mercuric chloride in Minecraft?
A: In Minecraft, mercuric dichloride can be synthesized by combining mercury and chlorine in a crafting table.
Q: What is the use of mercuric chloride?
A: Mercuric dichloride is used in laboratories as a reagent and disinfectant.
Q: Who invented mercuric chloride?
A: Mercuric dichloride’s discovery and early use date back to ancient times, so it doesn’t have a specific inventor.
Q: How to make mercuric chloride in Minecraft Education Edition?
A: In Minecraft Education Edition, mercuric dichloride can be created by combining mercury and chlorine in a crafting table, just like in the regular Minecraft version.
Q: What is mercuric chloride?
A: Mercuric dichloride is a toxic compound with the chemical formula HgCl2.
Q: Is HgCl2 a solid?
A: Yes, HgCl2 is a solid at room temperature.
Q: What is the correct name for HgCl2 in ionic naming?
A: The correct name for HgCl2 in ionic naming is mercury(II) dichloride.
Q: What is the name of HgCl2?
A: The name for HgCl2 is mercuric dichloride.
Q: 2 HgCl2(aq) + C2O4^(2-)(aq) → 2 Cl^-(aq) + 2 CO2(g) + Hg2Cl2(s), what is the rate law for the reaction?
A: Rate law: Rate = k[HgCl2]^2[C2O4^2-] (second order with respect to HgCl2 and first order with respect to C2O4^2-).