Mercury In Chemical

Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is commonly known as quicksilver and was formerly named hydrargyrum (from Greek "hydr-" water and "argyros" silver). A heavy, silvery d-block element, mercury is the only metallic element that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure; the only other element that is liquid under these conditions is bromine, though metals such as caesium, gallium, and rubidium melt just above room temperature.

With the CAS registry number 7439-97-6 and EINECS registry number 231-106-7, this chemical of Mercury is also named as Mercuryelement. In addition, the molecular formula is Hg and the molecular weight is 200.59. It is a kind of silvery liquid metal and belongs to the classes of Metals; Inorganics; Essential Chemicals; Chemical Synthesis; Volumetric Solutions; Analytical Reagents for General Use; Electrochemistry; Trace Analysis Reagents; I-N, Puriss p.a. Metal and Ceramic Science. It is the only one liquid metal at the normal temperature, free exist in nature and exist in the cinnabar, calomel and several other mines.

1. Properties of Mercury

Name:Mercury

EINECS:231-106-7

Molecular Formula:Hg

CAS Registry Number:7439-97-6 

Synonyms:Quicksilver; Mercury metal 99.99+ % for analysis; Mercuryredistilled; Mercury solution 1000 ppm; Mercury solution 10 000 ppm

InChI:InChI=1/Hg

Appearance:silver liquid

Molecular Weight:200.59

Density:13.54

Boiling Point:356.5℃

Melting Point:-38.9℃

Storage Temperature:Poison room

Solubility:insoluble in water

Stability:Stable. Incompatible with strong acids, sodium thiosulfate, ammonium hydroxide.

Chemical Properties :silvery liquid metal 

General Description: An odorless, silvery metallic liquid. Insoluble in water. Toxic by ingestion, absorption and inhalation of the fumes. Corrosive to aluminum. Used as a catalyst in instruments, boilers, mirror coatings. 

Air & Water Reactions: Insoluble in water. 

Reactivity Profile: Mercury forms an explosive acelylide when mixed with acetylene. Can form explosive compounds with ammonia (a residue resulting from such a reaction exploded when an attempt was made to clean Mercury off a steel rod . Chlorine dioxide (also other oxidants, such as: chlorine, bromine, nitric acid, performic acid), and Mercury explode when mixed . Methyl azide in the presence of Mercury is potentially explosive . Ground mixtures of sodium carbide and Mercury can react vigorously . Ammonia forms explosive compounds with gold, Mercury, or silver. 

Health Hazard: No immediate symptoms. As poisoning becomes established, slight muscular tremor, loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea are observed. Psychic, kidney, and cardiovascular disturbances may occur. 

Fire Hazard: Behavior in Fire: Not flammable 

2. Preparation of Mercury

It can be purified by maens of electrolysis.The electrolytic process needs electrolytic solution dilute nitric acid. In addition, the electrolysis voltage is 2-3V and the current is 3-4A. 

3. Uses of Mercury

It can be used to make tubes, mercury rectifiers and electrodes in the electronics industry. And it also be used in a variety of gauges and thermometers, polarographic analysis dropping mercury electrode, etc.

4. Toxicity and safety

Mercury and most of its compounds are extremely toxic and must be handled with care; in cases of spills involving mercury (such as from certain thermometers or fluorescent light bulbs), specific cleaning procedures are used to avoid exposure and contain the spill. Protocols call for physically merging smaller droplets on hard surfaces, combining them into a single larger pool for easier removal with an eyedropper, or for gently pushing the spill into a disposable container. Vacuum cleaners and brooms cause greater dispersal of the mercury and should not be used. Afterwards, fine sulfur, zinc, or some other powder that readily forms an amalgam (alloy) with mercury at ordinary temperatures is sprinkled over the area before itself being collected and properly disposed of. Cleaning porous surfaces and clothing is not effective at removing all traces of mercury and it is therefore advised to discard these kinds of items should they be exposed to a mercury spill.

When you are using Mercury, please be cautious about it as the following:

This chemical can cause burns and has danger of cumulative effects. It is irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. And it has danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin and if swallowed. In addition, it is toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. When you are using it, wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. And in case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label where possible). This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste. You should keep container tightly closed and avoid release to the environment. At last, you can refer to special instructions safety data sheet.