Mercuric Potassium Iodide

Name:
Mercuric Potassium Iodide
Detailed information:

Chemistry name:	Mayer's reagent; potassium mercuric iodide
M Formula:	K2HgI4 or 2KI•HgI2
Properties:
Odorless, yellow crystals; deliquescent in air; crystallizes with either 1, 2, or 3 molecules of water. The commercial product is the anhydrous form containing approximately 25.5% mercury; d 4.29; neutral or alkaline to litmus; very soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, and acetone.
Derivation:
(1) Action of hydrochloric acid and potassium iodide on mercuric cyanide or mercuric chloride; (2) action of potassium iodide on mercuric oxide.
Hazard:
Highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. TLV: TWA 0.1 mg(Hg)/m3.
Use:
Analytical chemistry.

See Nessler's Reagent.