Mercury(II) nitrate

Mercury(II) nitrate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Hg(NO3)2.

It contains mercury(II) cations Hg2+ and nitrate anions NO−3, and water of crystallization H2O in the case of a hydrous salt.

Anhydrous and hydrous salts are colorless or white soluble crystalline solids that are occasionally used as a reagents.

[clarification needed] Mercury(II) nitrate is used as an oxidizing agent in organic synthesis, as a nitrification agent, as an analytical reagent in laboratories, in the manufacture of felt, and in the manufacture of mercury fulminate.

[2] An alternative qualitative Zeisel test can be done with the use of mercury(II) nitrate instead of silver nitrate, leading to the formation of scarlet red mercury(II) iodide.

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gas Flammability 0: Will not burn. E.g. water Instability 1: Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. E.g. calcium Special hazard OX: Oxidizer. E.g. potassium perchlorate