Mercury sulfate, also known as mercuric (II) sulfate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula HgSO4, primarily used as a chemical catalyst and analytical reagent. It occurs as an odorless, white, granular or crystalline powder and is synthesised by the reaction of mercury with sulfuric acid, with a crystallization process It displays characteristic chemical behavior in aqueous conditions and on contact with water, it can form a yellow, insoluble basic mercury sulfate along with sulfuric acid. Its ability to provide mercury(II) ions contributes to its reactivity in a variety of chemical systems. Mercuric Sulfate is particularly valued as a catalyst in organic synthesis, notably in the production of acetaldehyde from acetylene.
CAS No.: 7783-35-9
Synonyms: Mercury bisulfate, sulfuric acid mercury(2+) salt, mercury persulfate.
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | HgSO4 |
| IUPAC Name | mercury(2+) sulfate |
| Molecular weight | 296.66 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in hot sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium chloride solution |
| Density | 6.47 g/cm3 |
| Appearance | White crystalline Powder |
| Storage | Store at room temperature |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White |
| Physical State | Solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Pictograms : |    |
| Hazard Statements : | H300+H310+H330 – Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. H373 – May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. H410 – Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. |
| Precautionary Statements: | P260: Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, spray, vapours. P264: Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling. P273: Avoid release to the environment. P280: Wear protective clothing, eye protection, face protection, protective gloves. P301+P310: IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor. P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P284 – Wear respiratory protection. |
Mercury sulfate, also known as mercuric (II) sulfate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula HgSO4, primarily used as a chemical catalyst and analytical reagent. It occurs as an odorless, white, granular or crystalline powder and is synthesised by the reaction of mercury with sulfuric acid, with a crystallization process It displays characteristic chemical behavior in aqueous conditions and on contact with water, it can form a yellow, insoluble basic mercury sulfate along with sulfuric acid. Its ability to provide mercury(II) ions contributes to its reactivity in a variety of chemical systems. Mercuric Sulfate is particularly valued as a catalyst in organic synthesis, notably in the production of acetaldehyde from acetylene.
CAS No.: 7783-35-9
Synonyms: Mercury bisulfate, sulfuric acid mercury(2+) salt, mercury persulfate.
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | HgSO4 |
| IUPAC Name | mercury(2+) sulfate |
| Molecular weight | 296.66 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in hot sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium chloride solution |
| Density | 6.47 g/cm3 |
| Appearance | White crystalline Powder |
| Storage | Store at room temperature |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White |
| Physical State | Solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Pictograms : | |
| Hazard Statements : | H300+H310+H330 – Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. H373 – May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. H410 – Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. |
| Precautionary Statements: | P260: Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, spray, vapours. P264: Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling. P273: Avoid release to the environment. P280: Wear protective clothing, eye protection, face protection, protective gloves. P301+P310: IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor. P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P284 – Wear respiratory protection. |
Mercuric Sulfate is primarily used as an analytical reagent, catalyst in organic synthesis and intermediate for preparing other mercury compounds. One of its established catalytic applications is the production of acetaldehyde from acetylene.
The common name of Mercury(II) Sulfate is Mercuric Sulfate. Both names refer to HgSO₄ in which mercury is present in the +2 oxidation state.
In water, Mercuric Sulfate undergoes hydrolysis and forms a yellow, insoluble basic mercury sulfate together with sulfuric acid. Therefore, its behavior in water differs from that of a simple, freely soluble sulfate salt.
Mercuric sulfate and mercurous sulfate are distinct compounds with different compositions and chemical properties. Mercuric Sulfate (HgSO₄) contains mercury in the +2 oxidation state while Mercurous sulfate (Hg₂SO₄) contains the dimeric mercury(I) ion Hg₂²⁺.
