Mercury is a unique metallic element that remains liquid at standard temperature and pressure. Its symbol, Hg, originates from its older name, "Hydrargyrum," derived from Greek words for water and silver. Mercury has high density, conducts electricity, and forms alloys. It is dangerous in vapor form and accumulates in the body. Historically, mercury was used in medicine and industry but has been largely phased out due to toxicity concerns. Some mercury compounds have been used in vaccines. Various chemical reactions involving mercury can produce compounds like mercury nitrate, mercury thiocyanate, and mercuric chloride, with applications in chemistry and explosives.
Sure, here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. Mercury is the only metallic element that's a liquid at standard temperature and pressure.
2. Its elemental symbol is Hg, derived from its older name "Hydrargyrum."
3. The name "Hydrargyrum" comes from the Greek words "hydror" and "argyros," meaning water and silver.
4. Mercury has a high density, making a small amount of it surprisingly heavy.
5. It has a melting/freezing point of around -39 degrees Celsius.
6. Mercury's boiling point is approximately 360 degrees Celsius.
7. Mercury conducts electricity, making it useful for electrical switches.
8. Mercury is commonly found as mercury sulfide, known as cinnabar.
9. Mercury amalgamates with other metals, like aluminum.
10. Mercury vapor is the most dangerous form of exposure.
11. Organic mercury compounds, often found in seafood, can be highly toxic.
12. Inorganic mercury compounds' toxicity depends on their solubility.
13. Mercury can bioaccumulate in the body and magnify up the food chain.
14. Mercury was historically used in medicine and industry but is now phased out.
15. Mercury reacts with nitric acid to form mercury nitrate.
16. Mercury nitrate can be used to create other mercury-based compounds.
17. Mercury fulminate is a primary explosive made from mercury nitrate.
18. Mercuric chloride is a useful catalyst for reduction reactions.
These are the factual statements from the text without including opinions or additional commentary.