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Mercury(II) Chloride
Other Names: Mercury bichloride, Corrosive sublimate, Abavit, Mercuric chloride, Sulema
CAS Number: 7487-94-7
Sum Formula: HgCl₂
Molar Mass: 271.50 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder or colorless crystals
Mercury(II) chloride is an inorganic compound composed of mercury in the +2 oxidation state and chloride ions. It is highly toxic and corrosive, historically used in a range of chemical, metallurgical, and preservation applications, although its use is now highly restricted.
Chemical and Physical Properties
Density: 5.43 g/cm³
Melting Point: 276°C (sublimes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes at higher temperatures
Solubility in Water: Moderately soluble (7.4 g/100 mL at 20°C)
Solubility in Other Solvents: Soluble in alcohol, ether, and acetone
Odor: Odorless
Applications
Organic Synthesis: Used as a reagent for chlorination and oxidation reactions in controlled settings.
Analytical Chemistry: Employed in certain specialized qualitative and quantitative tests.
Catalysis: Studied in specific catalytic processes involving mercury compounds.
Historical Use: Formerly used in wood preservation, disinfectants, and photographic processing (now largely discontinued due to toxicity).