What Is Mercuric Acid?

Mercuric acid is simply mercury that has been mixed with acid to create a desired reaction. Mercury reacts with concentrated sulphuric acid and concentrated nitric acid to form mercury(II) nitrate or can be dissolved in nitric acid to form mercury(I) nitrate.

Mercury only reacts with oxidizing acids. There are a number of applications for mercuric acid. For example, mercury(I) nitrate is used to prepare other mercury(I) compounds. In the past, mercury(II) nitrate was used to make felt and treat fur. The use of mercuric acid to treat fur and make felt was banned in the United States in 1941, although mercury(II) continued to be used during war as a detonator.

World View

This Year We’re Skipping the Fireworks, and Other 4th of July Safety Tips

History

Why Was the Declaration of Independence Written?

History

58 Years Later: What Was the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

History

Facts About the Louisiana Purchase That Might Surprise You

History

Celebrating Disability Pride Month and the History of the ADA

History

Mythic Months: Why Is July Named After Julius Caesar?