Mercurous Nitrate Dihydrate is also known as Mercury(I) Nitrate Dihydrate, is an inorganic mercury(I) salt generally represented by the formula Hg₂(NO₃)₂·2H₂O. It is commonly encountered as an off-white to pale crystalline solid and is slightly soluble in water. Unlike mercury(II) salts, it contains the characteristic Hg₂²⁺ (mercurous) ion, in which two mercury atoms are directly bonded. Structural studies of the hydrated compound have identified a water-coordinated H₂O–Hg–Hg–OH₂ center, reflecting the distinctive bonding chemistry of mercury in the +1 oxidation state. The compound provides a useful source of mercury(I) ions and readily participates in precipitation, complex formation, redox, and oxidation reactions. Its chemical behavior has made it a valuable laboratory reagent for studying mercury(I) chemistry. Mercurous Nitrate Dihydrate is particularly important as a precursor for the preparation of other mercury(I) compounds and complexes.
CAS No.: 14836-60-3
Synonyms: Mercury(I) nitrate dihydrate, nitric acid mercury(1+) salt dihydrate, mercurous dihydrate.
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | H4Hg2N2O8 |
| IUPAC Name | bis(mercury(1+));dinitrate;dihydrate |
| Molecular weight | 561.22 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Density | 4.78 g/cm3 |
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline powder |
| Storage | Store at room temperature |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White |
| Physical State | Solid |
| Melting Point | 70 °C |
| Odor | Odorless or slight nitric acid odor |
| 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. |
Mercurous Nitrate Dihydrate is also known as Mercury(I) Nitrate Dihydrate, is an inorganic mercury(I) salt generally represented by the formula Hg₂(NO₃)₂·2H₂O. It is commonly encountered as an off-white to pale crystalline solid and is slightly soluble in water. Unlike mercury(II) salts, it contains the characteristic Hg₂²⁺ (mercurous) ion, in which two mercury atoms are directly bonded. Structural studies of the hydrated compound have identified a water-coordinated H₂O–Hg–Hg–OH₂ center, reflecting the distinctive bonding chemistry of mercury in the +1 oxidation state. The compound provides a useful source of mercury(I) ions and readily participates in precipitation, complex formation, redox, and oxidation reactions. Its chemical behavior has made it a valuable laboratory reagent for studying mercury(I) chemistry. Mercurous Nitrate Dihydrate is particularly important as a precursor for the preparation of other mercury(I) compounds and complexes.
CAS No.: 14836-60-3
Synonyms: Mercury(I) nitrate dihydrate, nitric acid mercury(1+) salt dihydrate, mercurous dihydrate.
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | H4Hg2N2O8 |
| IUPAC Name | bis(mercury(1+));dinitrate;dihydrate |
| Molecular weight | 561.22 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Density | 4.78 g/cm3 |
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline powder |
| Storage | Store at room temperature |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White |
| Physical State | Solid |
| Melting Point | 70 °C |
| Odor | Odorless or slight nitric acid odor |
| 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. |
Mercurous Nitrate Dihydrate is mainly used as an analytical reagent and precursor for other mercury compounds. It is also employed in selected organic oxidation reactions, electrochemical research and studies involving mercury(I) chemistry.
Mercurous Nitrate Dihydrate is also known as Mercury(I) Nitrate Dihydrate. The term mercurous indicates that mercury is present in its +1 oxidation state.
Mercurous Nitrate Dihydrate is slightly soluble in water. Its aqueous chemistry is affected by the behavior of the Hg₂²⁺ ion and the conditions of the solution.
Mercurous Nitrate Dihydrate contains nitrate and can exhibit oxidizing behavior under suitable conditions. It is also reported as a reagent for the oxidation of aromatic methyl groups to aldehydes and carboxylic acids.
