Mercury(II) stearate explained
Mercury(II) stearate is a metal-organic compound, a salt of mercury and stearic acid with the chemical formula .[1] The compound is classified as a metallic soap, i.e. a metal derivative of a fatty acid. The compound is highly toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption.[2]
Synthesis
An exchange reaction of sodium stearate and mercury dichloride:
| HgCl2+2C17H35COONa \xrightarrow{ Hg(C | |
| 17 |
H35COO)2\downarrow+2NaCl}
Also, heating mercurious oxide with stearic acid.[3]
Physical properties
The compound forms yellow waxy substance.[4]
Uses
It is used as a germicide and as a plasticizer in the production of ceramics.
Notes and References
- Web site: CAS 645-99-8 Mercury stearate - Alfa Chemistry . alfa-chemistry.com . 15 February 2023.
- Book: Lewis . Robert A. . Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary . 1 April 2016 . . 978-1-119-26784-3 . 878 . 15 February 2023 . en.
- Book: Works of the Cavendish Society: Gmelin, Leopold. Hand-book of chemistry. 18 v. & index. 1848-72 . 1866 . 112 . 15 February 2023 . en.
- Book: Morris . Christopher G. . Press . Academic . Morris . Christopher W. . Academic Press Dictionary of Science and Technology . 27 August 1992 . . 978-0-12-200400-1 . 1350 . 15 February 2023 . en.
