Chemical Properties
Gray, crystalline powder.Soluble in alcohol, ammonium hydroxide, and hot water; slightly soluble in cold water.
General Description
A slurry or wet mass of white crystals. Contains at least 20% water or water-ethyl alcohol mixture. May explode from shock, heat, flame, or friction when dry. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat. Primary hazard is blast of an instantaneous explosion, not flying projectiles or fragments. A widely used initiating detonator for high explosives.
Reactivity Profile
MERCURY FULMINATE is incompatible with acetylene, ammonia, chlorine dioxide, azides, calcium (amalgam formation), sodium carbide, lithium, rubidium, copper . Contact with sulfuric acid causes explosion, [Urbanski, 1967, vol. 3, 135, 149]. Aqueous ammonia and Hg react to form an explosive solid, likely a fulminate. (Thodos, G. Amer. Inst. Chen. Engrs. J., 1964, 10, 274.).
Health Hazard
Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Fire Hazard
MAY EXPLODE AND THROW FRAGMENTS 1600 meters (1 MILE) OR MORE IF FIRE REACHES CARGO.
Hazard
Explodes readily when dry, keep moist till
use, an initiating explosive. Highly toxic.
