would a simple reaction between elemental mercury and household vinegar produce a solution of mercuric acetate?
[Edited on 16-9-2004 by Richy]JohnWW - 15-9-2004 at 21:47
No, because Hg is well below H on the electrochemical series, for the formation of both Hg++ and Hg2++, and besides acetic acid is not an oxidizing
acid which means that in this instance the acetate cannot form via the oxide.
John W.Reverend Necroticus Rex - 16-9-2004 at 02:29
I would suggest forming mercuric chloride by directly chlorinating the mercury with Cl2, then reatment of that with conc. acetic acid, that might do
the trick.Esplosivo - 16-9-2004 at 03:53
Quote:
Originally posted by Reverend Necroticus Rex
I would suggest forming mercuric chloride by directly chlorinating the mercury with Cl2, then reatment of that with conc. acetic acid, that might do
the trick.
On the other hand, I would suggest the direct chlorination of mercury by Cl2, but instead of treatment with conc. ethanoic acid I think a double
displacement rxn would do the trick. Such as
Pb(CH3COO)2 + HgCl2 --> PbCl2 + Hg(CH3COO)2
PbCl2 is quite insoluble and can be removed by filtration. Otherwise, HgSO4 could be used since PbSO4 has a lower solubility than PbCl2.
