MERCURIC CHLORIDE

An odorless white crystalline solid. Density 5.4 g / cm3. Melting point 277°C. Slightly volatile at ordinary temperatures. Can be sublimed unchanged. Corrosive to the mucous membranes. Toxic by inhalation (dusts, etc.), ingestion, and skin absorption. Used in photography, disinfectants, wood preservatives, fungicides.

none

Slightly soluble in water.

Material may explode on heating, with friction, or contact with alkali metals, sulfides, acetylene, ammonia, and oxalic acid. Upon decomposition highly toxic chloride and mercury fumes are emitted. Avoid formates, sulfites, hypophosphites, phosphates, sulfides, albumin, gelatin, alkalies, alkaloid salts, ammonia, lime water, antimony, arsenic, bromides, borax, carbonates, reduced iron, copper, iron, lead, silver salts, infusions of cinchona, columbo, oak bark or senna, and tannic acid. Mercuric chloride may explode with friction or application of heat. Mixtures of mercuric chloride and sodium or potassium are shock sensitive and will explode on impact. Avoid contact with acids or acid fumes. (EPA, 1998)

It is classified as extremely toxic. All forms of mercury are poisonous if absorbed. Probable oral lethal dose is 5-50 mg/kg; between 7 drops and 1 teaspoonful for a 150 lb. person. Mercuric chloride is one of the most toxic salts of mercury. Material attacks the gastrointestinal tract and renal systems. (EPA, 1998)

MERCURIC CHLORIDE is decomposed by sunlight. Incompatible with formates, sulfites, hypophosphites, phosphates, sulfides, albumin, gelatin, alkalis, alkaloid salts, ammonia, lime water, antimony, arsenic, bromides, borax, carbonates, reduced iron, iron, copper, lead and silver salts, infusions of cinchona, oak bark or senna, tannic acids and vegetable astringents. (NTP, 1992).

• Metals, Less Reactive
• Salts, Acidic

No information available.

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Move container from fire area. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full body protective clothing.

Some of these materials may burn but none of them ignite readily. Extinguish with water spray, fog, foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2020)

For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Mercuric II chloride (sat)	7487-94-7	Liquid			>480				>480⁸	>480⁸	>480⁸

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Mercuric Chloride Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to mercuric chloride may be severe and include increased salivation, foul breath, inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. Dermal exposure may result in dermatitis (red, inflamed skin) and burns. Oliguria (scanty urination), anuria (suppression of urine formation), and acute renal failure may be noted. Weak pulse, seizures, psychic disturbances, circulatory collapse, chest pain, and dyspnea (shortness of breath) may be observed.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to mercuric chloride may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to mercuric chloride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to mercuric chloride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas for 15 minutes with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. RUSH to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• ABAVIT B
• BICHLORIDE OF MERCURY
• CALOCHLOR
• CORROSIVE MERCURY CHLORIDE
• CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE
• CRC
• DICHLOROMERCURY
• FUNGCHEX
• MC
• MERCURIC BICHLORIDE
• MERCURIC CHLORIDE
• MERCURIC CHLORIDE, [SOLID]
• MERCURY (II) CHLORIDE
• MERCURY BICHLORIDE
• MERCURY CHLORIDE
• MERCURY CHLOROMERCURATE(II) (HGCL2)
• MERCURY DICHLORIDE
• MERCURY DICHLORIDE (HGCL2)
• MERCURY PERCHLORIDE
• MERCURY(2+) CHLORIDE
• MERCURY(II) CHLORIDE
• NCI-C60173
• PERCHLORIDE OF MERCURY
• SUBLIMATE
• SULEM
• TL 898