Black powder.Soluble in acids; insoluble in water.
Black or brownish-black powder. Not a true compound but rather an intimate mixture of metallic mercury and mercuric oxide. Insoluble in water and denser than water (density 9.8 g / cm3). Hence sinks in water.
Mixtures of "Mercurous oxide，black" with barium oxide react vigorously with hydrogen sulfide in air. Explosions may result [Mellor 10:140. 1946-47]. Dissolves in nitric acid. Reacts with hydrochloric acid to give insoluble mercurous chloride (calomel). Contact of the metal oxide caused the explosive decomposition of hydrogen peroxide [Bretherick 5th ed., 1995]. Mixtures with phosphorus or sulfur explode by impact and friction respectively, [Mellor, 1940, Vol. 4, 77].
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.
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.
A poison. Flammable
by chemical reaction; an oxiduer. Explosive
reaction with hydrogen peroxide, chlorine +
ethylene. Reacts violently with molten
potassium, molten sodmm, S, (HzS + BaO
+ air). Forms explosive mixtures with
nonmetals [e.g., phosphorus (impactsensitive), sulfur (friction-sensitive)].
Incompatible with alkali metals, reducing
materials. Dangerous; when heated to
decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of
Hg. See also MERCURY COMPOUNDS,
INORGANIC.
