General Description
Red or orange-red odorless, dense crystalline powder or scales, yellow when finely powdered. Used as a chemical intermediate for mercury salts, organic mercury compounds, and chlorine monoxide; antiseptic in pharmaceuticals; component of dry cell batteries; pigment and glass modifier; fungicide; preservative in cosmetics; analytical reagent; formerly used in antifouling paints.
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, [SOLID] 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
This material 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.
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
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition (932F) MERCURIC OXIDE, [SOLID] 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.
First aid
Remove victims from exposure.-Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to mercuric oxide.
Evaluate vital signs, including pulse and respiratory rate,
and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR.
If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing
is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible. If eye
exposure has occurred, remove any contact lenses at once;
eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least
15 minutes. Wash exposed skin areas for 15 minutes with
soap and water. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an
antidote or performance of other invasive procedures in
the event of inhalation or ingestion of HgO. Rush to a
healthcare facility
Antidotes and Special Procedures for medical personnel:
The drug NAP has been used to treat mercury poisoning,
with mixed success
Shipping
UN1641 Mercuric oxide, Hazard Class: 6.1;
Labels: 6.1-Poisonous material
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
Description
Mercuric oxide is a red or orange-red heavy crystalline powder; yellow when finely powdered. Molecular weight= 216.59; Freezing/Melting point=500℃ (decomposes). Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0. Insoluble in water.
Chemical Properties
bright red, orange or yellow powder. Mercuric oxide is incompatible with strong reducing agents, strong oxidising agents, combustible materials, and organic materials.
Chemical Properties
Mercuric oxide is a red or orange-red heavy
crystalline powder; yellow when finely powdered.
Uses
Mercury oxide (HgO) exists in two forms, red and yellow mercuric oxides, and is related
to mercurous oxide (Hg2O), which is black. All have industrial uses, ranging from antiseptics
to pigments.
Uses
Mercury(II)Oxide is used in the synthesis of a mercury based superconductor.
Uses
Similar to that of the red oxide; in the manufacture of organic mercurials. In animal chemistry for determining Zn or HCN; detecting acetic acid in formic acid, CO in gas mixtures.
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Store in a secure poison location. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, wellventilated area away from chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, hypophosphorous acid, hydrazine hydrate, magnesium (when heated), disulfur dichloride; hydrogen trisulfide, reducing agents. See also “Incompatibilities.”
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.
