MANUFACTURER
Mercury
Regular price:
Regular price:
product unavailable
add to wish list
Description
Mercury
Other Names: Quicksilver, Elemental mercury
CAS Number: 7439-97-6
Sum Formula: Hg
Molar Mass: 200.59 g/mol
Appearance: Silvery, heavy, and highly reflective liquid metal
Mercury is a unique transition metal and the only metallic element that is liquid at standard temperature and pressure. It is highly dense, has excellent electrical conductivity, and forms amalgams with many other metals. Due to its toxicity and volatility, it is now subject to stringent regulations in most applications.
Chemical and Physical Properties
Density: 13.53 g/cm³ (at 20°C)
Melting Point: –38.83°C
Boiling Point: 356.73°C
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Solubility in Other Solvents: Soluble in nitric acid and aqua regia; forms amalgams with metals
Odor: Odorless
Applications
Electrical Equipment: Historically used in thermometers, barometers, switches, and rectifiers.
Gold Extraction: Formerly used in amalgamation processes (now largely discontinued due to environmental concerns).
Catalysis: Involved in specific chemical syntheses and polymerizations (e.g., vinyl chloride production).
Laboratory Use: Sometimes still used in calibration devices and scientific instruments.
Safety
Signal Word: Danger
H290 (18.2%): May be corrosive to metals [Warning Corrosive to Metals]
H300+H330 (10%): Fatal if swallowed or if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, inhalation]
H300 (36.7%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]
H330 (98.6%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]
H360 (88.2%): May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]
H360D (10.5%): May damage the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]
H372 (98.8%): Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]
H400 (97.4%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
H410 (100%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]
P203, P234, P260, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P304+P340, P316, P318, P319, P320, P321, P330, P390, P391, P403+P233, P405, P406, and P501
Handling and Storage
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and strong oxidizing agents. Store under inert gas or submerged in oil if prolonged storage is required.
Handling Precautions: Avoid vapor exposure and spills. Use only in fume hoods or controlled environments. Employ mercury spill kits and appropriate PPE during any handling.
