Title: Mercurous Nitrate
CAS Registry Number: 10415-75-5
Synonyms: Mercury protonitrate
Molecular Formula: Hg2N2O6
Molecular Weight: 525.19
Percent Composition: Hg 76.39%, N 5.33%, O 18.28%
Line Formula: Hg2(NO3)2
Literature References: Normally exists as dihydrate. Prepn of anhydr salt: Potts, Allred,
Inorg. Chem. 5, 1066 (1966).
Derivative Type: Dihydrate
Properties: Colorless crystals, usually with slight odor of HNO3. mp ~70° with decompn.
Poisonous! d 4.78. Sol in 13 parts water contg 1% HNO3; with water alone a basic salt is formed. Blackened by ammonia, caustic alkali, and alkaline earth solns.
Keep well closed and protected from light.
Melting point: mp ~70° with decompn
Density: d 4.78
Use: Fire gilding, blackening brass.