21908-53-2 Usage
Description
Mercuric Oxide, Red, also known as Mercury(II) Oxide, is a dense crystalline powder that appears red or orange-red in color. It is odorless and can turn yellow when finely powdered. MERCURIC OXIDE, RED is used in various applications due to its unique chemical properties, which include being incompatible with strong reducing agents, strong oxidizing agents, combustible materials, and organic materials.
Uses
Used in Chemical Synthesis:
Mercuric Oxide, Red is used as a chemical intermediate for the synthesis of mercury salts, organic mercury compounds, and chlorine monoxide. It plays a crucial role in the production of these compounds, which have various applications in different industries.
Used in Pharmaceutical Industry:
As an antiseptic, Mercuric Oxide, Red is utilized in the pharmaceutical industry to prevent the growth of microorganisms and maintain the cleanliness of wounds or surfaces.
Used in Electronics Industry:
Mercuric Oxide, Red is a component of dry cell batteries, contributing to their overall functionality and performance.
Used in Manufacturing of Organic Mercurials:
Similar to the red oxide, Mercuric Oxide, Red is used in the manufacture of organic mercurials, which are essential in various chemical processes and applications.
Used in Catalyst Production:
Mercuric Oxide, Red serves as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions, facilitating the process and increasing the reaction rate.
Used in Animal Chemistry:
In animal chemistry, Mercuric Oxide, Red is employed for determining the presence of Zinc (Zn) or Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) in samples.
Used in Analytical Chemistry:
Mercuric Oxide, Red is used as an analytical reagent, helping in the detection of acetic acid in formic acid and carbon monoxide (CO) in gas mixtures.
Used in Pigment and Glass Modification:
As a pigment and glass modifier, Mercuric Oxide, Red is utilized to alter the color and properties of glass, enhancing its appearance and functionality.
Used in Fungicide Production:
Mercuric Oxide, Red is used as a fungicide to control fungal growth in various applications, such as agriculture and horticulture.
Used in Cosmetics Industry:
As a preservative, Mercuric Oxide, Red is employed in the cosmetics industry to extend the shelf life of products and maintain their quality.
Used in Antifouling Paints (Historic Use):
Historically, Mercuric Oxide, Red was used in antifouling paints to prevent the growth of marine organisms on ship hulls and other underwater structures. However, due to environmental concerns, its use in this application has been reduced or replaced with more eco-friendly alternatives.
Reactivity Profile
MERCURIC OXIDE is light sensitive. When hydrazine hydrate is dropped on mercuric oxide, an explosion occurs [Mellor 8:318. 1946-47]. Hypophosphorous acid reduces mercuric oxide explosively to the metal [Mellor 4:778. 1946-47]. When heated to decomposition (932 F) MERCURIC OXIDE, RED decomposes into mercury and oxygen. Fumes from fire may contain poisonous mercury vapor; oxygen may increase intensity of fire. Explosion of mercuric oxide may occur with friction or application of heat. Avoid reducing agents. Avoid light; may decompose into mercury and oxygen.
Hazard
Fire risk in contact with organic materials.
Highly toxic.
Health Hazard
MERCURIC OXIDE, RED is highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. Very short exposure to small quantities may cause death or permanent injury. Following ingestion, mercuric oxide is readily converted to mercuric chloride, the most dangerous mercury compound. Mercuric oxide dust has a corrosive effect on eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. People with a history of allergies or known sensitization to mercury, chronic respiratory disease, nervous system disorders, or kidney disorders are at increased risk from exposure.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition (932F) MERCURIC OXIDE, RED decomposes into mercury and oxygen. Fumes from fire may contain poisonous mercury vapor; oxygen may increase intensity of fire. Explosion of mercuric oxide may occur with friction or application of heat. Avoid reducing agents. Avoid light; may decompose into mercury and oxygen. Hazardous polymerization may not occur.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion,
skin contact, intraperitoneal, and
intramuscular routes. An experimental
teratogen. Experimental reproductive
effects. An FDA over-the-counter drug.
Used for treating fruit trees. Flammable by
chemical reactions. A powerful oxidzer.
Explosive reaction with acetyl nitrate,
butadene + ethanol + iodine (at 35OC),
chlorine + hydrocarbons (e.g., methane,
ethylene), diboron tetrafluoride, hydrogen
peroxide + traces of nitric acid, reducing
agents (e.g., hydrazine hydrate, phosphinic
acid). Forms heator impact-sensitive
explosive mixtures with nonmetals (e.g.,
phosphorus, sulfur), metals (e.g.,
magnesium, potassium, sodium-potas sium
alloy). Reacts violently with hydrogen
trisulfide (on ignition), hydrazine hydrate,
hydrogen peroxide, hypophosphorous acid,
iodine + methanol or ethanol, phospham,
acetyl nitrate, S2Cl2, reductants.
Incandescent reaction with phospham. When heated to decomposition it emits
highly toxic fumes of Hg. See also
MERCURY COMPOUNDS,
IN ORGAN I C .
Potential Exposure
Mercuric oxide is used for wound
sealing and canker treatment of fruit and rubber trees;
chemical intermediate for mercury salts; organic mercury
compounds; chlorine monoxide; as an antiseptic in pharmaceuticals; component of dry cell batteries; pigment and
glass modifier; fungicide; preservative in cosmetics;
analytical reagent; formerly used in antifouling paints
Shipping
UN1641 Mercuric oxide, Hazard Class: 6.1;
Labels: 6.1-Poisonous material
Purification Methods
Dissolve it in HClO4 and precipitate it with NaOH solution. It is yellow when cold and changes to red at ~130o reversibly. POISONOUS.
Incompatibilities
A powerful oxidizer. Decomposes on
exposure to light, when heated above 500C, producing
highly toxic fumes including mercury and oxygen, which will
add to the intensity of an existing fire. Violent reaction with
combustible materials; other oxidizers; acetyl nitrate; aluminum, diboron tetrafluoride; reducing agents; phospham,
hydrogen trisulfide (on ignition); hydrazine hydrate; hydrogen
peroxide; hypophosphorous acid; acetyl nitrate; chlorine,
hypophosphorous acid; magnesium (when heated), disulfur
dichloride; alcohols, alkali metals (i.e., lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, francium). Forms heat- or impactsensitive explosive mixtures with sulfur, phosphorus and other
nonmetals, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and other chemically active metals. Incompatible with strong bases and light
Check Digit Verification of cas no
The CAS Registry Mumber 21908-53-2 includes 8 digits separated into 3 groups by hyphens. The first part of the number,starting from the left, has 5 digits, 2,1,9,0 and 8 respectively; the second part has 2 digits, 5 and 3 respectively.
Calculate Digit Verification of CAS Registry Number 21908-53:
(7*2)+(6*1)+(5*9)+(4*0)+(3*8)+(2*5)+(1*3)=102
102 % 10 = 2
So 21908-53-2 is a valid CAS Registry Number.
InChI:InChI=1/Hg.O/q+2;-2
21908-53-2Relevant articles and documents
Infrared spectrum of Hg(OH)2 in solid neon and argon
Wang, Xuefeng,Andrews, Lester
, p. 108 - 113 (2008/10/09)
Mercury(II) hydroxide molecules have been prepared upon mercury arc lamp irradiation of Hg, H2, and O2 mixtures in solid neon and argon. The strongest three infrared absorptions are identified through isotopic substitution (D2, HD, 18O2,16O 18O) and comparison to frequencies from DFT calculations. The isolated Hg(OH)2 molecule is stable and has a linear O-Hg-O linkage in a C2 structure with an 86° dihedral angle. However, in aqueous solution Hg2+ and 2OH- may form an Hg(OH)2 intermediate, which eliminates water and precipitates solid HgO: The solid Hg(OH)2 compound is not known.
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