Chemical Properties
Mercuric sulfate is a white, odorless, crystalline solid
Chemical Properties
White crystals or powder. Mercuric sulphate decomposes on contact with water into yellow insoluble basic sulphate and sulphuric acid. The products of decomposition of mercuric sulphate include oxides of sulphur and oxides of mercury. Mercuric sulphate is incompatible with acetylene, ammonia, and strong acids and corrosive to iron, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, lead, and copper.
General Description
Odorless white granules or crystalline powder. Denser than water. MERCURIC SULFATE(7783-35-9) is toxic by inhalation and by ingestion. MERCURIC SULFATE(7783-35-9) is used in medicine, for gold and silver extraction, and to make other mercury compounds.
Reactivity Profile
The absorption of gaseous hydrogen chloride on MERCURIC SULFATE becomes violent at 125° C [Mellor 2, Supp. 1:462. 1956].
Air & Water Reactions
Decomposed by water to yellow mercuric subsulfate and sulfuric acid, which is corrosive.
Hazard
Highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and
skin absorption.
Health Hazard
INHALATION: Acute poisoning: Tightness in chest, breathing difficulty, coughing, and pain. EYES: Ulceration of conjunctiva and cornea. SKIN: Irritation; may cause sensitization dermatitis. INGESTION: Necrosis, pain, vomiting, severe purging. Patient may die within a few hours from peripheral vascular collapse.
Potential Exposure
Mercuric sulfate is used in making
other chemicals; as a battery electrolyte and in extracting
gold and silver from rock
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: None
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, ge medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours
after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be
delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or
authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or
other inhalation therapy
Antidotes and Special Procedures for medical personnel:
The drug NAP has been used to treat mercury poisoning
with limited success
Shipping
UN1645 Mercury sulfates, Hazard Class: 6.1;
Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials
Incompatibilities
Contact with water produces sulfuric
acide and insoluble basic mercuric subsulfate. Reacts with
acids producing mercury vapors. Violent reaction with gaseous hydrogen chloride above 121C. Decomposes in heat
or on exposure to light, producing toxic fumes of mercury
and sulfur oxides. Attacks magnesium, aluminum, zinc,
iron, lead, copper.
Description
Mercuric sulfate is a white, odorless, crystalline solid. Molecular weight= 296.65; Freezing/Melting point=(decomposes). Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0. Decomposes in water.
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 light, water, and gaseous hydrogen chloride.
