Mercury(II) chloride facts for kids
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Mercury(II) chloride is a special kind of chemical compound. You might also hear it called mercuric chloride or corrosive sublimate. Its chemical formula is HgCl2. This means it's made up of one mercury atom and two chlorine atoms. The mercury in this compound has a specific electrical charge, which chemists call an oxidation state of +2.
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What is Mercury(II) Chloride Like?
Mercury(II) chloride is a white, shiny solid. It looks like tiny crystals. This compound is very toxic, meaning it can be harmful if you touch or swallow it.
Unlike many compounds made from metals and nonmetals, mercury(II) chloride is not truly ionic. This means its atoms share electrons more than they transfer them. For example, if you heat it, it turns into a gas quite easily. Other similar compounds, like table salt (sodium chloride), stay solid when heated.
Mercury(II) chloride can dissolve in water. It dissolves much better in hot water than in cold water. It also dissolves well in solutions that contain chlorides. This compound is very corrosive, which means it can damage other materials. It is also a strong oxidizing agent, which means it can take electrons from other substances. When it reacts with a base, it forms mercury(II) oxide.
How is Mercury(II) Chloride Made?
Scientists can make mercury(II) chloride in a few ways. One way is by mixing mercury(I) chloride or pure mercury metal with chlorine gas.
Another method involves reacting mercury(I) nitrate with hydrochloric acid. It can also be made by combining mercury(II) sulfate with sodium chloride.
What is Mercury(II) Chloride Used For?
Mercury(II) chloride is used as a catalyst in making certain plastics. A catalyst helps chemical reactions happen faster without being used up itself.
It is also used to create an amalgam with metals like aluminum. An amalgam is a mixture of mercury with another metal.
In the past, mercury(II) chloride had other uses. It was once used to preserve different materials. It was also used as a medicine. However, because it is so toxic, it is no longer used as a medicine today. It was also used in photography processes.
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See also
In Spanish: Cloruro de mercurio(II) para niños
