Mercurous nitrate,HgN03•2H20, is colorless,efflorescent, light-sensitive crystals that decompose in water,and melt at 70℃. Also known as hydrated mercurous nitrate, it is highly toxic and explosive if shocked or heated and is used as an analytical agent.
Mercurous nitrate can be used to synthesize alkyl nitrates from alkyl halides.
Acute poison. Exposure to all mercury compounds is to be strictly avoided. Releases toxic Hg fumes when heated to decomposition. Protect from light.
Its solubility in H2O containing 1% HNO3 is 7.7%. Recrystallise it from a warm saturated solution of dilute HNO3 and cool to room temperature slowly to give elongated prisms. Rapid cooling gives plates. The colourless crystals should be stored in the dark. POISONOUS. [Grdenic J Chem Soc 1312 1956.]
