Chemical Properties
light yellow liquid
General Description
Odorless yellow crystals. Crystallizes with either one, two or three molecules of water. Soluble in water and denser than water. Commercially available in the anhydrous form. Highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption.
Air & Water Reactions
Deliquescent. Very water soluble.
Reactivity Profile
MERCURIC POTASSIUM IODIDE is incompatible with acetylene, ammonia, chlorine dioxide, azides, calcium (amalgam formation), sodium carbide, lithium, rubidium, copper . NESSLER'S REAGENT behave in aqueous solution as a weak acid.
Health Hazard
Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways.
Hazard
Highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and
skin absorption.
Preparation
It is prepared by mixing 2g potassium iodide in 5ml water. To this solution, 3g of mercury (II) iodide is added, and the resulting solution is made to 20ml. Finally, 40g potassium hydroxide (30 %) is added to provide the alkaline base.
