Mercury(II) sulfate
_sulfate_bottle_sample.jpg) Mercury(II) sulfate sample and original bottle.
| |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Mercury(II) sulfate
| |
| Other names
Mercuric sulfate
Mercury persulfate Mercury bisulfate | |
| Properties | |
| HgSO4 | |
| Molar mass | 296.653 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 6.47 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 450 °C (842 °F; 723 K) (decomposes) |
| Boiling point | Sublimes; decomposes |
| Decomposes to sulfuric acid and HgSO4·2HgO | |
| Solubility | Soluble in concentrated or hot H2SO4, hydrochloric acid, NaCl solution Insoluble in acetone, ammonia, ethanol |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std enthalpy of
formation (ΔfH |
−707.5 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Fischer Scientific |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Related compounds | |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Mercury(II) sulfate or mercuric sulfate, is the chemical compound HgSO4, used in various chemical reactions.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Mercury(II) sulfate readily hydrolyzes in water, separating into the yellow mercuric subsulfate and sulfuric acid:
- 3 HgSO4 + 2 H2O → HgSO4·2HgO + 2 H2SO4
Physical
Mercury(II) sulfate is a dense white solid, soluble in sulfuric acid, but insoluble in organic solvents. It decomposes when heated to 450 °C. Its density at standard conditions is 6.47 g/cm3.
Availability
Mercury(II) sulfate is sold by chemical suppliers. Due to its hazards, it's extremely difficult to acquire by the amateur chemist.
Preparation
Mercury(II) sulfate can be prepared by reacting hot concentrated sulfuric acid with elemental mercury:
- Hg + 2 H2SO4 → HgSO4 + SO2 + 2 H2O
It can also be made by reacting mercuric oxide with concentrated sulfuric acid.
- HgO + H2SO4 → HgSO4 + H2O
Projects
- Detect tertiary alcohols
- Acetaldehyde synthesis from acetylene and water
- Phthalic anhydride synthesis
Handling
Safety
HgSO4 is extremely toxic and its ingestion may be fatal. Reaction with water releases sulfuric acid, which is corrosive. The salt itself or as a solution is corrosive to many metals, such as aluminium, copper, iron (most steels), lead, magnesium, zinc, etc.
Storage
Mercury(II) sulfate should be stored in closed bottles, away from moisture, in a special cabinet.
Disposal
Best to take it to hazardous waste disposal centers.
