Mercury(II) bromide facts for kids
Mercury(II) bromide, also known as mercuric bromide, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is HgBr2. It contains mercury and bromide ions. The mercury in this compound has a +2 oxidation state, which means it has lost two electrons.
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What are its properties?
Mercury(II) bromide is a colorless solid. It is very toxic (poisonous) and is similar to mercury(II) chloride, another mercury compound. It can form explosive mixtures when mixed with potassium. It also reacts very strongly with indium when heated to high temperatures. This compound is also corrosive, meaning it can damage or destroy other materials it touches.
How is it made?
You can make mercury(II) bromide in a couple of ways. One way is by reacting mercury(II) oxide with hydrobromic acid. Another method involves a process called disproportionation of mercury(I) bromide. This is a chemical reaction where a substance changes into two different substances, one with a higher oxidation state and one with a lower oxidation state.
What is it used for?
Mercury(II) bromide is used in organic chemistry as a reagent. A reagent is a substance used to cause a chemical reaction. It is also used to test for the presence of arsenic. Here's how the test works:
- First, the arsenic is reacted with hydrogen to create a gas called arsine.
- Then, this arsine gas reacts with the mercury(II) bromide.
- If arsenic is present, the mercury(II) bromide will change color, turning yellow or brown. This color change helps scientists know that arsenic is there.
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