mercuric chloride

chemical compound

Also known as: bichloride of mercury, corrosive sublimate, mercury chloride, mercury(II) chloride(Show More)

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June 30, 2026

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Mercuric chloride is a heavy, crystalline, and poisonous chemical compound with the formula HgCl₂. It is used as a disinfectant and fungicide, and also in photography. Mercury itself, denoted by the chemical symbol Hg, is a liquid metal at room temperature and is known for its toxicity.12

Mercuric chloride poisoning can occur through ingestion, leading to severe gastrointestinal issues, and kidney damage. Inhalation or skin absorption can cause neurological and personality changes. Historically, mercury compounds have been used in various applications, including medicine and agriculture, but their toxicity has led to increased caution and regulation.345

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fungicide
Mercury(II) chloride, or corrosive sublimate, is sometimes used as a dip to treat bulbs and tubers; it is highly toxic to humans. Strobilurin compounds are used in industrial agriculture to kill various types of mildews, molds, and rusts. Other substances occasionally used to kill fungi include chloropicrin,
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Mercury(II) chloride, or corrosive sublimate, is sometimes used as a dip to treat bulbs and tubers; it is highly toxic to humans. Strobilurin compounds are used in industrial agriculture to kill various types of mildews, molds, and rusts. Other substances occasionally used to kill fungi include chloropicrin,
Read More

mercury
Principal compounds
Mercury(II) chloride, HgCl₂ (also called bichloride of mercury or corrosive sublimate), is perhaps the commonest bivalent compound. Although extremely toxic, this odourless, colourless substance has a wide variety of applications. In agriculture it is used as a fungicide, in medicine it was sometimes employed as a topical antiseptic in concentrations…
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Mercury(II) chloride, HgCl₂ (also called bichloride of mercury or corrosive sublimate), is perhaps the commonest bivalent compound. Although extremely toxic, this odourless, colourless substance has a wide variety of applications. In agriculture it is used as a fungicide, in medicine it was sometimes employed as a topical antiseptic in concentrations…
Read More

human disease
Inorganic chemicals
…of the same substance, notably mercuric chloride, is a deadly poison. As little as 0.1 gram is enough to cause damage to body tissues, and 2 grams can cause death in a 70-kilogram person. This agent causes extensive tissue damage wherever high concentrations of the poison are encountered. When the…
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…of the same substance, notably mercuric chloride, is a deadly poison. As little as 0.1 gram is enough to cause damage to body tissues, and 2 grams can cause death in a 70-kilogram person. This agent causes extensive tissue damage wherever high concentrations of the poison are encountered. When the…
Read More