Open In App

Mercury II Nitrate Formula

Last Updated : 20 Dec, 2023
Improve
Improve
Like Article
Like
Save
Share
Report

Mercury is also known as quicksilver. It is a naturally present element found in rocks and coal deposits. The word mercury comes from the Greek word hydrargyrum means water and silver. Mercury has the symbol Hg with the atomic number 80. It is a liquid metal belonging to group 12 of the periodic table. It has an atomic mass of 200.59u and a melting point of -38.83˚C. 
Nitrogen is essential to all living organisms. When nitrogen combines with oxygen it naturally forms a nitrate compound. Most of all inorganic nitrates can be soluble in water. It has a molar mass of 62.0049 g/mol. It is a polyatomic ion with a chemical formula of NO3. It is used in fertilizers and pharmaceutical drugs.

Mercury (II) Nitrate 

Mercury II Nitrate is a toxic chemical compound, even though it is sometimes used as a reagent. It has the appearance of a white crystalline solid and it is soluble in water. The density of mercury II nitrate is 4.3 g/cm3. It is also called Mercuric Nitrate, Mercury dinitrate. It can cause an explosion when it exposes to higher temperatures for a long time and produces toxic oxides of nitrogen when it decomposes by heating. Adequate safety measures should be applied when working with this compound. Due to its high toxicity and hazards, it is restricted in many countries.

Mercury (II) Nitrate Formula

Hg (NO3)2 is the chemical formula of mercury II nitrate. The Hg symbol represents mercury and the NO symbol represents Nitrate. It has a molar mass of 324.7 g/mol. 

Structure of Mercury (II) Nitrate

Structure of Mercury (II) Nitrate

 

Physical Properties of Mercury (II) Nitrate

The physical properties of Mercury (II) Nitrate are:

  • It has a melting point of 79°C.
  • It is soluble in water.
  • It has a density of 4.3 g/cm3.
  • Mercury II nitrate is insoluble in alcohol but soluble in nitric acid, acetone, and ammonia.
  • It will corrode most metals.
  • It has a molar mass of 324.7 g/mol.
  • It is non–flammable in nature.

Chemical Properties of Mercury (II) Nitrate 

  • Mercury (II) Nitrate can easily hydrolyze to Mercury(II) Oxide by dilution or addition of alkali,

Hg(NO3)2 + H2O ⇢ HgO + 2HNO3

  • To produce metallic mercury from nitrate heat Hg(NO3)2 in a distillation apparatus. Above 400°C, it readily decomposes,

Hg (NO3)2 ⇢ Hg + 2NO2 + O2

Uses of Mercury (II) Nitrate

Uses of Mercuric (II) Nitrate are:

  1. It is used in the preparation of mercury fulminate.
  2. It is used in mercuration reactions.
  3. It is also utilized as analytical reagents and nitrification in laboratories.
  4. Mercuric nitrate was formerly used in carroting felt for hats.
  5. Mercuric nitrate is found in certain ointments.

Hazards and Safety Measures

The hazards related to Mercury (II) Nitrate are:

  • Mercury (II) Nitrate is a highly toxic compound. It causes psychological illness when largely exposed to it.
  • Mercury (II) Nitrate when exposed to heat may lead to an explosion. 

The safety measures related to Mercury (II) Nitrate are:

  • Proper safety measures need to be taken when handling this compound and direct contact should be avoided.
  • Proper protective clothing must be used.

FAQs on  Mercury (II) Nitrate

Question 1: What are the various kinds of emergency treatment estimates that ought to be given to an individual in the event that they interact with mercury II nitrate?

Answer: 

Emergency treatment techniques are:

  • Following inward breath – Make sure there is sufficient natural air. Look for clinical guidance assuming that you feel somewhat unsure or on the other hand in the event that your side effects don’t disappear.
  • After skin contact – If it comes into contact with your skin, wash it off immediately with loads of water. Regardless, counsel a specialist.
  • Subsequent to visually connecting – Rinse with water for a few minutes, being mindful so as not to go overboard. In the event that you feel somewhat doubtful or on the other hand in the event that your side effects don’t disappear, visit a specialist for clinical direction
  • Following admission – Using water, flush your mouth (provided that the individual is cognizant). Make a meeting with a doctor.

Question 2: What are the things to be held within proper limits while putting away mercury II nitrate?

Answer:  

It ought to be avoided food and feedstuffs, combustible substances, diminishing specialists, and flammable substances. Keep in the shadows. Store where there is no admittance to a channel or sewer. Arrangement for containing putting out fires profluent. Shut unsettled. Just keep the first holder. The capacity temperature ought to be low as an excessive amount of intensity can cause it to respond causing a blast.

Question 3: Nitrogen dioxide is the gas that develops during the heat breakdown of mercury II nitrate. Is the gas hurtful to people?

Answer:  

As nitrogen dioxide is a noxious gas, higher dosages are known to be destructive to people. It can possibly harm the respiratory system, particularly the lungs, as well as raise the gamble of respiratory diseases and asthma. Long haul nitrogen dioxide gas openness can likewise cause actuate lung diseases.

Question 4: What is mercury II oxide?

Answer: 

Mercury II oxide or mercury oxide is a red or orange solid. It is an inorganic compound that decomposes into mercury metal and oxygen gas when heated. HgO is the formula of mercury oxide. It has a molar mass of 216.59 g/mol and a melting point of 500°C. it reacts with acids and is insoluble in alcohols. It is a highly toxic substance and may have kidney effects, irritating the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It is used in marine and porcelain paints, dry batteries, and chemical reagents. It plays a significant role in the production of mercury.

Question 5: What is mercury used for?

Answer: 

Mercury is the rarest element in the earth’s crust. Some of the uses of the mercury are,

  • It is used in fluorescent lamps, thermometers, float valves, and dental amalgams. 
  • It is used in medicine.
  • Mercury II fulminate is an explosive used as a primer in firearms.
  • It is also used for the production of other chemicals and 
  • It is also used to make liquid mirrors.
  • The disinfectant mercury compound – thimerosal is an organomercury compound that is found in vaccines, tattoo inks, contact lens solutions, and cosmetics.

Question 6: Are nitrates harmful to humans?

Answer: 

Nitrates are somewhat idle, and that implies they’re steady and far-fetched to change and harmful. Microbes in the mouth or enzymes in the body can change over them into nitrites, and these might be hurtful. Thus, nitrites can either transform into: nitric oxide, which is useful for the body.

Consuming an excessive amount of nitrate can be destructive, particularly for children. Consuming an excessive amount of nitrate can influence how blood conveys oxygen and can cause methemoglobinemia (otherwise called blue child condition). Bottle-took care of infants under a half-year-old is at the most elevated hazard of getting methemoglobinemia.

Related Resources



Like Article
Suggest improvement
Share your thoughts in the comments

Similar Reads