Mercury sulfide

Mercury sulfide

Names
IUPAC name Mercury sulfide
Other names Cinnabar Mercuric sulfide Mercury sulphide Mercury(II) sulfide Vermilion
Properties
Chemical formula	HgS
Molar mass	232.66 g/mol
Appearance	Red solid (α-HgS) Black solid (β-HgS)
Density	8.10 g/cm3
Melting point	580 °C (1,076 °F; 853 K) (decomposes)
Boiling point	Decomposes
Solubility in water	Insoluble
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (So298)	78 J·mol−1·K−1
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfHo298)	−58 kJ·mol−1
Hazards
Safety data sheet	Sigma-Aldrich
Related compounds
Related compounds	Mercury(II) sulfate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Mercury sulfide, also known as mercury(II) sulfide or mercuric sulfide is a chemical compound composed with the formula HgS. It occurs naturally as the mineral cinnabar .

Properties

Chemical

Mercury sulfide is resistant to the attack of most reagents.

Physical

Mercury sulfide is a solid, virtually insoluble in water and all solvents.

Availability

Cinnabar can be purchased from various mineral suppliers. In some countries its sale may be regulated.

Preparation

Mercury(II) sulfide can be created by adding elemental sulfur to mercury metal. Mercury sulfide is the result of mercury neutralization.

Projects

• Mineral collecting
• Make elemental mercury (VERY DANGEROUS)

Handling

Safety

Cinnabar is toxic and should be handled with proper protection.

Storage

In closed containers.

Disposal

Should be take to disposal centers.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Refining mercury from cinnabar