Mercury(2+) dichloride

DescriptionMercury is found in trace amounts in the air, but the largest deposits on earth are as cinnabar (mercuric sulfide). It exists in several forms such as a liquid metal (quicksilver), as a vapor, and in compounds (organic and inorganic). Mercury has been used as a medicine, to make amalgams, and in many industrial applications. Exposure to mercury can be toxic in any of its forms, in any route (ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation) depending on the dose and duration of exposure. Thermometers, ‘button’ batteries, the new energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs, and many seafood (shellfish, tuna, marlin, and many others) contain mercury, and are, therefore, potential sources of mercury poisoning. The primary intracellular target of mercury is the sulfhydryl groups in many tissue enzymes and proteins. Binding of –SH– groups paralyzes vital functions, eventually causing failure of organ systems such as the lungs, kidneys, or the nervous system. Industrial disasters cause release of mercury or methylmercury into the environment. The classic example of such a disaster is the contamination of Minamata Bay in Japan, where the term Minamata disease originated. Studies from about 1956 to 1960 suggested the unusual symptoms (neurological) found in people in this area was traced back to industrial wastewater containing methylmercury. Nearly 2200 people were diagnosed and over 1700 deaths were eventually attributed to methylmercury poisoning. Mercury has been used in skin creams; the most recent problem cream was identified in 1996 from Mexico named ‘Crèma de Belleza-Manning.’ Mercury poisoning can be caused by all forms of mercury (elemental, vapor, inorganic, and organic).

UsesMercuric chloride is used in tanning leather; intensifier in photography; topical antiseptic and disinfectant.

UsesMercuric chloride is used in preservatives for wood and anatomical specimens, embalming solutions, disinfectants, photographic intensifiers, leather tanning, seed treatments, analytical reagents for organic syntheses, and the manufacture of other mercury-containing compounds. Pharmaceuticals containing mercuric chloride have also been used therapeutically as topical antiseptics and disinfectants.

UsesPreserving (kyanizing) wood and anatomical specimens; also embalming; disinfecting; browning and etching steel and iron; intensifier in photography; white reserve in fabric printing; tanning leather; electroplating aluminum; depolarizer for dry batteries; freeing gold from lead; magic photograms; mordant for rabbit and beaver furs; staining wood and vegetable ivory pink; manufacture of ink for mercurography; treating seed potatoes; manufacture of other mercury Compounds. As an important reagent In animal chemistry.