MATERIAL OVERVIEW

Characteristics: Silvery, extremely heavy liquid, sometimes found native. Insoluble in hydrochloric acid; soluble in sulfuric acid upon boiling; readily soluble in nitric acid. Insoluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Soluble in lipids. Extremely high surface tension (480 dynes/cm) giving it unique rheological behavior. High electric conductivity. Noncombustible.

Hazards: (1) Mercury, metallic: Highly toxic by skin absorption and inhalation of fume or vapor. Tolerance (as Hg) 0.5 mg/m³ of air. Absorbed by respiratory and intestinal tract. FDA permits zero addition to the 20 ug of mercury contained in average daily diet. (2) All inorganic compounds of Hg are highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Tolerance, 0.5 mg/m³ of air. (3) Most organic compounds of Hg are highly toxic. Inorganic Hg can be converted to methyl-mercury by bacteria in water. Tolerance (as Hg), (alky compounds), 0.01 mg/m³ of air; all others, 0.5 mg/m³. NOTE: Spillage may be a toxic hazard due to droplet proliferation. Clean-up requires special care.

GENERAL PROPERTIES

TYPICAL ANALYSES

Impurities in ppm

MERCURY POWDER, SHOT, PELLETS, & INGOT

Liquid Mercury is sold by the pound and packaged in polyethylene bottles.

MERCURY COMPOUNDS

Compounds are packaged to order and sold by the gram or kilogram.