Inorganic mercury compounds

Similar term(s): mercury salts.

Definition:

Inorganic mercury compounds are formed when mercury (symbol Hg) combines with elements other than carbon, such as chlorine, sulfur, or oxygen. Elemental mercury is a form of inorganic mercury.

Mercury binds in two states:

  • Hg+ (mercurous or mercury I), and
  • Hg2+ (mercuric or mercury II).

Source: GreenFacts

More:

Examples of mercury salts are:

  • mercuric sulphide or mercury II sulphide (HgS),
  • mercuric oxide or mercury II oxide (HgO) and
  • mercuric chloride or mercury II chloride (HgCl2).
Mercury salts are usually white powders or crystals. Mercuric sulphide, which is normally red, is an exception.

Source: GreenFacts

Related words:

Cinnabar - Elemental mercury - Organic - Organic mercury compounds

To read about this term in context:

GreenFacts Summary on Mercury:

Translation(s):

Deutsch: Anorganische Quecksilberverbindungen
Español: Compuestos inorgánicos de mercurio
Français: Composé(s) inorganique(s) du mercure

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