Mercury(II) Oxide (Red Mercury)

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Mercury(II) Oxide (Red Mercury) (CAS Num 21908-53-2)

Mercury(II) oxide, also called mercuric oxide or simply mercury oxide, is the inorganic compound with the formula HgO. It has a red or orange color. Mercury(II) oxide is a solid at room temperature and pressure. The mineral form montroydite is very rarely found.
Formula weight: 216.59 Purity: 99% CAS Number: 21908-53-2

Uses: Mercury(II) oxide is used in marine and porcelain paints, dry batteries, chemical reagents, and topical antiseptics. It acts as a significant part in the production of mercury. It is utilitarian in the deduction of a mercury based superconductor.

Mercury (II) oxide, also known as mercuric oxide or simply mercury oxide, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula

Mercury(II) oxide appears as a red or orange solid and is insoluble in water and organic solvents. Here are some key points about it:

1. Synthesis:
   • The red form of

     $$\text{HgO}$$

     can be produced by heating mercury in oxygen at around 350 °C.

   • The yellow form can be obtained by precipitating aqueous Hg²⁺ with alkali.
   • Both forms have the same structure, consisting of near-linear O-Hg-O units linked in zigzag chains with an Hg-O-Hg angle of 108°.
2. Uses:
   • Mercury (II) oxide serves as a precursor for various mercury compounds.
   • It is used in batteries, glass, and analytical chemistry.
3. Hazards:
   • It is extremely toxic and considered an environmental pollutant.
   • When heated, it breaks down into mercury and oxygen.
   • Safety precautions are essential when handling this compound.

CAUTION  

According to Wikipedia “Red mercury is a discredited substnce, most likely a hoax perpetrated by con artists who sought to take advantage of gullible buyers on the black market for arms. These con artists described it as a substance used in the creation of nuclear weapons; because of the secrecy surrounding nuclear weapons development, it is difficult to disprove their claims completely. However, all samples of alleged “red mercury” analyzed in the public literature have proven to be well- known, common substances of no interest to weapons makers.