Title: Mercuric Oxycyanide
CAS Registry Number: 1335-31-5
CAS Name: Mercury cyanide oxide
Molecular Formula: C2Hg2N2O
Molecular Weight: 469.21
Percent Composition: C 5.12%, Hg 85.50%, N 5.97%, O 3.41%
Line Formula: HgO.Hg(CN)2
Literature References: For reasons explained below, the article of commerce contains about 33% mercuric oxycyanide and about 67% mercuric cyanide.
Properties: White, orthorhombic crystals or cryst powder d 4.44. One gram dissolves in 80 ml cold water, more sol in hot water. Violent poison! It explodes when touched with a flame or by percussion; hence for commerce it is made with an excess of mercuric cyanide which eliminates the danger of explosion.
Density: d 4.44
Therap-Cat: Antiseptic (topical). |