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Mercury(II) chloride monohydrate

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Identification
Molecular formula
HgCl2·H2O
CAS number
3486-35-9
IUPAC name
mercury;hydrate
State
State

At room temperature, mercury(II) chloride monohydrate is in a solid state. It is typically handled as a powder or crystalline solid in laboratory environments.

Melting point (Celsius)
178.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
451.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
302.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
575.15
General information
Molecular weight
308.48g/mol
Molar mass
308.4760g/mol
Density
5.4400g/cm3
Appearence

Mercury(II) chloride monohydrate is a white crystalline solid. It appears as fine, white, needle-like crystals or powder. Due to its crystalline nature, it may reflect light, giving a slight sheen or sparkle under certain lighting conditions.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Mercury Hydrate

Mercury compounds, including mercury hydrate (often referred to as mercury(II) hydroxide, Hg(OH)2), exhibit some intriguing solubility characteristics:

  • Low Solubility: Mercury hydrate demonstrates very low solubility in water, making it poorly soluble under normal conditions.
  • Reaction with Acids: When interacting with acids, mercury compounds can dissolve to form soluble mercury salts, showcasing a change in solubility based on environmental pH.
  • Temperature Effect: The solubility of mercury hydrate can be somewhat affected by temperature, although the extent of solubility remains minimal even at elevated temperatures.

It's interesting to note that mercury itself is a heavy metal, and its compounds are often less soluble compared to more common compounds like sodium chloride (NaCl). This low solubility is significant when considering both the environmental impact and the biological implications of mercury exposure.

In summary, the solubility behavior of mercury hydrate is characterized by its very low water solubility, influenced by various factors such as pH and the presence of other chemical species. Understanding these solubility properties is crucial for both industrial applications and environmental safety.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Mercury Hydrate

Mercury hydrate is a fascinating compound that captures the attention of chemists and materials scientists alike. Below are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Unique Element: Mercury (Hg), as the central element in this compound, is known for being the only metal that is liquid at room temperature and has a long history of exploitation in various applications.
  • Toxicity Awareness: Despite its unique properties, mercury and its compounds are notorious for their toxicity. Understanding mercury hydrate's behavior and exposure routes is critical for safety in laboratory and industrial settings.
  • Hydration Significance: The term "hydrate" indicates the presence of water molecules associated with the mercury ions. These hydrated forms can influence the compound's chemical reactivity and stability, making it an important area of study in coordination chemistry.
  • Applications: Mercury compounds have historically been used in thermometers, barometers, and various scientific instruments due to their unique physical properties. However, the use of mercury is declining due to environmental and health regulations.
  • Historical Impact: Mercury has played a significant role in alchemical traditions, often symbolizing transformation and change. Its intriguing characteristics fascinated early scientists and led to a plethora of myths and legends surrounding its properties.

As seen in the context of mercury hydrate, the duality of utility and toxicity presents a continuous challenge for scientists. Emphasizing safe practices and finding alternatives to mercury compounds is a fundamental consideration in contemporary research and industrial applications.