mercury salt
Quick Summary
Mercury salts are chemical compounds containing mercury, which is a chemical element and a liquid metal belonging to Group 12 of the periodic table. Mercury compounds can exist in two oxidation states: +1 (mercurous) or +2 (mercuric).1
Key mercury compounds include:
* Mercury(I) chloride (calomel): Formerly used as an antiseptic and diuretic.12
* Mercury(II) chloride (corrosive sublimate): Highly toxic but used as a fungicide, antiseptic, and catalyst in the chemical industry.12
* Mercury(II) oxide: Used in batteries and as a starting material for other mercury compounds.1
* Mercury(II) sulfide: Primarily used as a pigment.1
Mercury and its compounds are highly toxic, with poisoning potentially resulting from inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Symptoms vary depending on the compound and exposure route, ranging from digestive tract inflammation to central nervous system damage. Due to its toxicity, many uses of mercury have been phased out or regulated.123
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