MERCURIC NITRATE

A white crystalline solid. Toxic by inhalation, ingestion and/or skin contact. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may result in an explosion. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen when heated to decomposition. Used to make other chemicals and in medicine.

• Strong Oxidizing Agent

Deliquescent. Soluble in a small amount of water. With much water or on boiling with water, an insoluble basic salt is formed.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Vapors from fire may contain toxic mercury and oxides of nitrogen.

Behavior in Fire: May increase intensity of fire if in contact with burning material (USCG, 1999)

Acute systemic poisoning may be fatal within a few minutes; death by uremic poisoning is usually delayed 5-12 days. Acute poisoning has resulted from inhaling dust concentrations of 1.2-8.5 mg/m 3 of air; symptoms inc lude tightness and pain in chest, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. Ingestion causes necrosis, pain, vomiting, and severe purging. Contact with eyes causes ulceration of conjunctiva and cornea. Contact with skin causes irritation and po ssible dermatitis; systemic poisoning can occur by absorption through skin. (USCG, 1999)

MERCURIC NITRATE is noncombustible, but, as an oxidizing agent, will accelerate the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in a fire or the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may result. Light sensitive. Mixtures with alkyl esters may explode, owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates. Mixtures with phosphorus, tin(II) chloride, or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979. p. 108-109]. Acetylene forms a sensitive acetylide when passed into an aqueous solution of mercuric nitrate [Mellor 4:933. 1946-47]. Should not be mixed with alcohols as explosive mercury fulminates may be formed [Bahme 1961. p. 9]. Is violently reduced by hypophosphoric acid [Mellor 4:993. 1946-47]. Reacts with phosphine to give a yellow precipitate that explodes when heated or subjected to shock [Mellor 4:993. 1946-47].

• Nitrate and Nitrite Compounds, Inorganic

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Expanded Polymeric Absorbents

Excerpt from 141 [Oxidizers - Toxic]:

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.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).

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)

Excerpt from 141 [Oxidizers - Toxic]:

SMALL FIRE: Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.

LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 141 [Oxidizers - Toxic]:

Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. (ERG, 2020)

Dust mask; goggles or face shield; protective gloves (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

INHALATION: remove to fresh air; get medical attention.

INGESTION: alimentary absorption is very rapid; action during first 10-15 min. determines prognosis. Give egg whites, milk, or activated charcoal and induce vomiting; consult physician.

EYES or SKIN: flush with water. (USCG, 1999)

• CITRINE OINTMENT
• MERCURIC NITRATE
• MERCURY (II) NITRATE
• MERCURY DINITRATE
• MERCURY NITRATE
• MERCURY NITRATE (HG(NO3)2)
• MERCURY NITRATE MONOHYDRATE
• MERCURY PERNITRATE
• MERCURY(2+) NITRATE
• MERCURY(II) NITRATE
• MERCURY(II) NITRATE (HG(NO3)2)
• MILLON'S REAGENT
• NAMED REAGENTS AND SOLUTIONS, MILLON'S