Mercury(I) nitrate

Mercury(I) nitrate is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Hg2(NO3)2. It has mercury and nitrate ions in it. The mercury is in its +1 oxidation state.

Properties
It is a white solid. It is a weak reducing agent in air. It oxidizes to mercury(II) oxide and mercury(II) nitrate. It reacts slowly with water when it is dissolved in water. This makes a basic mercury(I) nitrate and some nitric acid. The basic mercury(I) nitrate is yellow. Mercury(I) nitrate can kill you if you eat or inhale it.

Preparation
It is made by reacting mercury with a dilute solution of nitric acid. A concentrated solution of nitric acid makes mercury(II) nitrate. 

Related pages
Mercury(II) chloride
Mercury(I) chloride

References

Category:Nitrates
Category:Mercury compounds