Mercury(II) sulfide

Synonym(s):Mercuric sulfide red

CAS NO.：1344-48-5
Empirical Formula: HgS
Molecular Weight: 232.65
MDL number: MFCD00011046
EINECS: 215-696-3
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2024-12-18 14:15:30

What is Mercury(II) sulfide?

Chemical properties

Fine, bright-scarlet powder.Insoluble in water and alcohol.
Mercury(II) sulfide
Cinnabar, HgS, cherry red crystal to 5 mm among snow white rhombic dolomite, CaMg(CO3)2. Wanshan mine, Tongren Pref., Guizhou prov., China.

The Uses of Mercury(II) sulfide

For coloring plastics, sealing wax, and with FeSO4 for marking linen; manufacture of fancy colored papers; as pigment.

The Uses of Mercury(II) sulfide

Mercury(II) sulfide is used in paint, sealing wax and preservatives.

The Uses of Mercury(II) sulfide

Mercuric sulfide (HgS) is a fine, very brilliant scarlet powder that is deadly if ingested. Also known as the mercury ore cinnabar and metacinnabar, it is used as a pigment in the manufacture of paints.

Definition

cinnabar: A bright red mineralform of mercury(II) sulphide, HgS,crystallizing in the hexagonal system;the principal ore of mercury. Itis deposited in veins and impregnationsnear recent volcanic rocks andhot springs. The chief sources includeSpain, Italy, and Yugoslavia.

Air & Water Reactions

Readily oxidized as to be pyrophoric in air [Bretherick 1979. p. 120].

Reactivity Profile

Inorganic reducing agents, such as MERCURY(II) SULFIDE, react with oxidizing agents to generate heat and products that may be flammable, combustible, or otherwise reactive.

Hazard

Highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption.

Health Hazard

Acute poisoning can result from inhaling dust concentrations of 1.2-8.5 mg/m 3 in air; symptoms include pain and tightness in chest, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. If ingested, toxicity depends on release of t he Hg ++ ion; chronic mercury poisoning can cause kidney, mental, and nervous disturbances. Dust irritates eyes and frequently causes allergic dermatitis; absorption through skin can cause systemic poisoning.

Properties of Mercury(II) sulfide

Melting point:	583.5 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	584°C
Density	8.1 g/mL at 25 °C
solubility	insoluble in H2O; soluble in acid solutions, ethanol
form	Powder
color	red
Water Solubility	Soluble in water (0.00001 g/L).
Crystal Structure	Cubic, Sphalerite Structure - Space Group F(-4)3m
Merck	14,5888
Solubility Product Constant (Ksp)	pKsp: 52.4
Exposure limits	ACGIH: TWA 0.025 mg/m3 (Skin) NIOSH: IDLH 10 mg/m3; TWA 0.05 mg/m3; Ceiling 0.1 mg/m3
Stability:	Stable.
CAS DataBase Reference	1344-48-5(CAS DataBase Reference)
EPA Substance Registry System	Mercury sulfide (HgS) (1344-48-5)

Safety information for Mercury(II) sulfide

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H317:Sensitisation, Skin
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P272:Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water. P333+P313:IF SKIN irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.