Mercury(I) nitrate

Mercury(I) nitrate is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Hg2(NO3)2. It has mercury and nitrate ions in it. The mercury is in its +1 oxidation state.

Properties

It is a white solid. It is a weak reducing agent in air. It oxidizes to mercury(II) oxide and mercury(II) nitrate. It reacts slowly with water when it is dissolved in water. This makes a basic mercury(I) nitrate and some nitric acid. The basic mercury(I) nitrate is yellow. Mercury(I) nitrate can kill you if you eat or inhale it.[1]

Preparation

It is made by reacting mercury with a dilute solution of nitric acid. A concentrated solution of nitric acid makes mercury(II) nitrate.

Related pages

References

  1. "Safety information for mercury(I) nitrate". Oxford University. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved August 30, 2010.