Mercury(II) nitrate

chemical compound

Mercury(II) nitrate, also known as mercuric nitrate, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Hg(NO3)2. It contains mercury and nitrate ions. The mercury is in its +2 oxidation state.

Properties

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Mercury(II) nitrate is a white crystalline solid. It is a strong oxidizing agent.

Preparation

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It is made by reacting mercury with concentrated nitric acid; dilute nitric acid would make mercury(I) nitrate.

It was used to make felt from fur. People would get poisoned when using it to make hats, making the term "mad hatter".

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