M

Mercury(II) oxide

IUPAC: oxomercury

HgO Inorganic Compounds CAS 21908-53-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationHgO
CAS Number21908-53-2
Molecular Weight216.59
Melting PointDecomposes at 932 °F (EPA, 1998)
Density11.1 at 39 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility0.0053 G/100 CC WATER @ 25 °C
AppearanceMercuric oxide, [solid] appears as red or orange-red odorless, dense crystalline powder or scales, yellow when finely powdered. Used as a chemical intermediate for mercury salts, organic mercury co...
Also Known Asoxomercury; MERCURIC OXIDE; 21908-53-2; Mercuric oxide, red; Santar; Red Precipitate; Red mercuric oxide; Mercury oxide (HgO); Mercuric oxide, yellow; Santar M
CategoryInorganic Compounds

What is Mercury(II) oxide?

Mercury(II) oxide (HgO) is an inorganic compound that appears as Mercuric oxide, [solid] appears as red or orange-red odorless, dense crystalline powder or scales, yellow when finely powdered. Used as a chemical intermediate for mercury salts, organic mercury co.... It has a molecular weight of 216.59 g/mol. Its IUPAC name is oxomercury. Melting point: Decomposes at 932 °F (EPA, 1998).

Formula & Notation

HgO

IUPAC Name: oxomercury

Other Names / Synonyms: oxomercury; MERCURIC OXIDE; 21908-53-2; Mercuric oxide, red; Santar; Red Precipitate; Red mercuric oxide; Mercury oxide (HgO); Mercuric oxide, yellow; Santar M

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Mercuric oxide, [solid] appears as red or orange-red odorless, dense crystalline powder or scales, yellow when finely powdered. Used as a chemical intermediate for mercury salts, organic mercury co.... Molecular formula: HgO. Molecular weight: 216.59 g/mol. Melting point: Decomposes at 932 °F (EPA, 1998). Density: 11.1 at 39 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 0.0053 G/100 CC WATER @ 25 °C.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting PointDecomposes at 932 °F (EPA, 1998)
Density11.1 at 39 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight216.59
Solubility0.0053 G/100 CC WATER @ 25 °C
AppearanceMercuric oxide, [solid] appears as red or orange-red odorless, dense crystalline powder or scales, yellow when finely powdered. Used as a chemical intermediate for mercury salts, organic mercury co...

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial processes, materials science, semiconductor manufacture, ceramics, or as a catalyst.

Safety Information

May be corrosive, toxic, or an oxidising agent. Handle in well-ventilated area. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Mercury(II) oxide
Formula HgO
CAS Number 21908-53-2
Molecular Weight 216.59
Synonyms oxomercury; MERCURIC OXIDE; 21908-53-2; Mercuric oxide, red; Santar; Red Precipitate; Red mercuric oxide; Mercury oxide (HgO); Mercuric oxide, yellow; Santar M

Frequently Asked Questions

Mercury(II) oxide (HgO) is an inorganic compound that appears as Mercuric oxide, [solid] appears as red or orange-red odorless, dense crystalline powder or scales, yellow when finely powdered. Used as a chemical intermediate for mercury salts, organic mercury co.... It has a molecular weight of 216.59 g/mol. Its IUPAC name is oxomercury. Melting point: Decomposes at 932 °F (EPA, 1998).

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.