Mercury(I) bromide facts for kids

Mercury(I) bromide, also known as mercurous bromide, is a special chemical substance. Its chemical formula is Hg₂Br₂. This means it's made of two mercury atoms and two bromine atoms. It contains mercury and bromide parts (called ions). The mercury in this compound has a specific electrical charge, known as its +1 oxidation state.

What Is Mercury(I) Bromide Like?

Mercury(I) bromide is a white, shiny solid, like tiny crystals. It is very poisonous and can be harmful if not handled carefully. This chemical can also easily change into other substances: a different type of mercury bromide (called mercury(II) bromide) and pure mercury metal.

Where Is It Found?

You can find mercury(I) bromide naturally, but it's very rare! It appears as a mineral called kuzminite. This mineral is a mix of mercury(I) bromide and another similar chemical, mercury(I) chloride.

How Is It Made?

Scientists can make mercury(I) bromide in a lab. One way is to mix a chemical called a bromide (like potassium bromide or sodium bromide) with mercury(I) nitrate. Another way is to react pure mercury metal directly with bromine, which is a reddish-brown liquid.

Related Chemicals

• Mercury(II) chloride
• Mercury(II) oxide

See also

In Spanish: Bromuro de mercurio(I) para niños