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Mercurous nitrate

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Identification
Molecular formula
Hg2(NO3)2
CAS number
10415-88-4
IUPAC name
mercurous;nitrate
State
State

At room temperature, mercurous nitrate is typically found as a crystalline solid. It's important to store it in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming damp due to its hygroscopic nature.

Melting point (Celsius)
70.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
343.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
525.18g/mol
Molar mass
525.1760g/mol
Density
4.7830g/cm3
Appearence

Mercurous nitrate is a white to off-white crystalline solid. It is highly deliquescent, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air, and often appears damp. When exposed to light or air over time, it may acquire a grayish or slightly yellow hue due to decomposition.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Mercurous Nitrate (Hg2(NO3)2)

Mercurous nitrate, a compound of mercury, exhibits some distinct solubility characteristics that are important to understand:

  • Solubility in Water: Mercurous nitrate is generally sparingly soluble in water. This limited solubility is attributed to the strong ionic bonds within the compound that resist dissociation.
  • Temperature Effects: Its solubility can enhance with increased temperature, although the extent of this increase is relatively modest compared to other salts.
  • Effect of pH: The solubility may also vary with the pH of the solution; in acidic environments, it can become more soluble due to the formation of complex ions.
  • Common Uses: Due to its low solubility, it is often used in specialized applications such as in certain types of analytical chemistry or as a precursor in the synthesis of other mercury compounds.

To summarize, mercurous nitrate's sparingly soluble nature means that it is not easily dissolved in water, which poses practical considerations for its handling and use in chemical processes. As stated, "The solubility of a compound often dictates its practical applications."

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Mercurous Nitrate

Mercurous nitrate, also known as mercury(I) nitrate, is a unique compound with captivating properties and applications. Here are some intriguing insights into this fascinating compound:

  • Historical Significance: Mercury has been used since ancient times for various applications, including in medicine and alchemy. The use of mercurous nitrate traces back to when it was utilized as a pigment and in the preparation of other mercury compounds.
  • Chemical Behavior: Mercurous nitrate is known for its interesting dual oxidation state, exhibiting properties that are distinct from elemental mercury and mercuric compounds. Its ability to change oxidation states plays a significant role in its chemical reactivity.
  • Photosensitivity: One remarkable characteristic of mercurous nitrate is its photosensitivity. Exposure to light can induce photochemical reactions, which can lead to a change in its chemical structure. This feature has historically piqued the interest of chemists exploring photochemical applications.
  • Applications: Mercurous nitrate has been used in various fields, including:
    1. As a reagent in organic synthesis.
    2. In analytical chemistry for detecting halides.
    3. In the manufacture of certain types of explosives.
  • Safety Concerns: Like many mercury compounds, mercurous nitrate poses health hazards. It is considered toxic, and appropriate safety measures should be observed when handling it. This toxicity emphasizes the need for proper storage and disposal practices in laboratory settings.

In conclusion, mercurous nitrate stands out not only for its chemical properties but also for its rich history and relevance in modern scientific applications. Its intriguing behavior and challenges associated with its use invite ongoing study and exploration in the fields of chemistry and materials science.

Synonyms
Mercury(1+) nitrate
Dimercury dinitrate
Monomercury nitrate
Mercury protonitrate
Nitrate mercureux
Nitrate mercureux [French]
Nitric acid, mercury(I) salt
Nitric acid, mercury(1+) salt
HSDB 1214
EINECS 233-886-4
UN1627
Mercury(I) nitrate (1:1)
UNII-J78005WL7R
DTXSID0065066
J78005WL7R
NITRATE MERCUREUX (FRENCH)
MERCUROUS NITRATE, (SOLID)
MERCUROUS NITRATE, [SOLID]
DTXCID5032864
MERCURY NITRATE (HGNO3)
MERCURY NITRATE (HG(NO3)) MONOHYDRATE
10415-75-5
10415-75-57782-86-7
mercurous nitrate
mercurous nitrate [mi]
mercurous nitrate [who-dd]
mercury nitrate (hg2(no3)2)
nitric acid mercury(1+) salt (1:1)
un-1627
Quecksilber(I)-nitratlosung
SCHEMBL156180
DRXYRSRECMWYAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Mercurous nitrate [UN1627] [Poison]