The difference between mercury and calomel

With the continuous progress of industrial technology, mercury compounds play an increasingly important role in chemical production. Among them, mercuric chloride and calomel are two common mercury compounds, which are often confused because of their different chemical structures, physical properties and application fields. This article will analyze the differences between mercuric chloride and calomel in detail from the aspects of definition, structure, application, production method and stability, so as to help readers better understand the characteristics of these two compounds.

1. mercurial and calomel definitions

Both mercuric chloride and calomel are organic compounds of mercury, but their structures and sources are different. Mercuric (Copper(I)Mercury) is a slightly soluble in water mercury compounds, mainly composed of copper and mercury by 1:2 stoichiometric ratio. It usually exists in the form of a colorless liquid or a colorless solution, which has a weak toxicity. The calomel (Thiosulfate) is a slightly soluble organic mercury compounds, chemical formula is Na2S2O3, is a colorless and transparent liquid, with weak oxidation.

, 2. mercuric and calomel structure and chemical properties

From the structural point of view, mercuric chloride is a compound of elemental mercury and copper, and its chemical formula is Hg2Cu, which has strong stability. The calomel is a sulfur-containing organic compound, which contains sulfur in its structure, which makes it more active in chemical reactions. In terms of chemical properties, mercuric chloride is easily oxidized under acidic conditions, but is relatively stable under alkaline conditions. While calomel decomposes easily under acidic conditions, it is relatively stable under alkaline conditions.

3. mercuric chloride and calomel applications

Mercury and calomel have different applications in industry and life. Mercury is mainly used in metal processing and industrial production, for example, in the production of copper alloys, mercury as an additive can improve the corrosion resistance of the alloy. The calomel is mainly used in water treatment and environmental protection, for example, in sewage treatment, calomel can be used as a precipitant to help remove impurities and heavy metal pollution in the water.

4. mercuric chloride and calomel production methods

There are also differences in the production methods of mercuric and calomel. Mercury is usually obtained by chemical synthesis, the specific process is more complex, need to be carried out under the condition of high temperature and high pressure. The production of calomel is relatively simple, and a pure calomel solution can be obtained by flotation and purification of sulfur-containing ores.

5. of mercuric chloride and calomel stability

Under different conditions, the stability of mercuric chloride and calomel is also different. Mercury chloride is relatively stable at high temperature, but it is easy to decompose under the action of strong acid or strong oxidant. The calomel is easy to decompose at high temperature, and it also has a certain degree of oxidation in water, which is easily affected by external conditions.

Through the analysis of the definition, structure, application, production method and stability of mercuric chloride and calomel, the difference between them can be clearly recognized. Although both are mercury compounds, there are significant differences in chemical properties, application fields, etc. Understanding these differences helps to make better use of them in different industrial and life scenarios, and also provides an important reference for the research and development of mercury compounds.