Carbon Monoxide Headquarters
Toxic Solids, Dr. D. Penney





Mercury (Quicksilver, Hydrargyrum)

Properties:

  • metallic element
  • liquid at ordinary temperatures
  • atomic number = 80
  • atomic weight = 200.59
  • specific gravity = 13.546
  • insoluble in water, other solvents
  • soluble in boiling hydrochloric and nitric acid
  • forms two sets of compounds - mercurous and mercuric
  • Hg and its salts have been employed therapeutically as purgatives, anti-sypilitics, intestinal antiseptics, disinfectants, etc.
  • absorbed by skin and mucous membranes
  • mercury bichloride, or mercuric chloride is extremely poisonous



    ...... last changed 05/15/00


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