Mercury(I) nitrate

chemical compound

Mercury(I) nitrate is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Hg2(NO3)2. It has mercury and nitrate ions in it. The mercury is in its +1 oxidation state.

Properties

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It is a white solid. It is a weak reducing agent in air. It oxidizes to mercury(II) oxide and mercury(II) nitrate. It reacts slowly with water when it is dissolved in water. This makes a basic mercury(I) nitrate and some nitric acid. The basic mercury(I) nitrate is yellow. Mercury(I) nitrate can kill you if you eat or inhale it.[1]

Preparation

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It is made by reacting mercury with a dilute solution of nitric acid. A concentrated solution of nitric acid makes mercury(II) nitrate.

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References

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  1. "Safety information for mercury(I) nitrate". Oxford University. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved August 30, 2010.