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Mercury(II) fulminate

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Identification
Molecular formula
Hg(CNO)2
CAS number
628-86-4
IUPAC name
fulminate
State
State

Mercury(II) fulminate is generally found as a solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
165.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
438.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
110.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
383.00
General information
Molecular weight
284.61g/mol
Molar mass
284.6100g/mol
Density
4.4200g/cm3
Appearence

Mercury(II) fulminate typically appears as a white or gray crystalline powder. It is highly explosive and sensitive to heat, friction, and shock.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Fulminate

The solubility of fulminates, such as fulminate of mercury (Hg(CNO)₂), is a topic of significant interest due to their unique properties and reactions. Generally, fulminates are known to have varied solubility in different solvents. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Water Solubility: Many fulminates exhibit low solubility in water, which can affect their stability and handling.
  • Organic Solvents: They may show higher solubility in certain organic solvents like alcohols and acetone. This is often due to non-polar interactions that facilitate dissolution.
  • Temperature Effects: The solubility of fulminates can change with temperature. As temperature increases, there can be an increase in solubility, allowing for more stable solutions under certain conditions.
  • Stability Concerns: The solubility profile is crucial as some solvated forms can be highly sensitive, impacting their usage and storage significantly.

It's important to note that the solubility of fulminates is influenced by both chemical structure and the specific environmental conditions. Understanding these solubility characteristics can be crucial for safe practices in both laboratory and industrial settings. As stated in scientific literature, "the manipulation of these compounds requires an intricate balance of knowledge about their solubility and reactivity."

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Fulminate

Fulminates are a fascinating and highly reactive group of chemical compounds that belong to the class of explosives. Here are some intriguing aspects of fulminates:

  • Chemical Composition: Fulminates typically contain the fulminate ion, which is characterized by the presence of nitrogen and carbon, making them structurally unique compared to other explosive materials.
  • Historical Significance: Fulminate of mercury was historically significant as one of the first reliable detonators. It played a crucial role in the development of early explosives and firearms.
  • Impact Sensitivity: These compounds are notable for their extreme sensitivity to heat, shock, and friction. This property makes them both exciting and hazardous, necessitating careful handling and storage.
  • Uses: Despite their instability, fulminates find applications in certain specific areas, such as:
    • Detonators: Used to initiate larger explosions.
    • Historical Firearms: Early models utilized fulminate of mercury for ignition.
  • Interesting Chemistry: The thermal decomposition of fulminates leads to the release of gases, which can expand rapidly, producing explosive reactions. This chemical behavior is a topic of interest in both academic and applied research.
  • Safety Precautions: Due to their reactive nature, working with fulminates requires stringent safety measures. Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and controlled environments are essential when handling these compounds.

Fulminates continue to captivate the interest of chemists and enthusiasts alike, illustrating the balance between chemical innovation and safety!

Synonyms
fulminate
oxidoazaniumylidynemethane
carbidooxidonitrate(1-)
CNO(-)
ONC(-)
CHEBI:29811
[N(C)O](-)
BDBM50401535
CHEMBL2207071
fulminate ion
CNO-
CHEMBL2220234
BDBM60995
Q27110286
28269-67-2