Overview
Mercury(I) chloride (CAS 10112-91-1 ), commercially known as calomel, is an inorganic mercury salt used as a reference electrode material and catalyst in specialized industrial and laboratory settings.
Its electrochemical stability makes it a benchmark compound in analytical chemistry and precision measurement applications. Calomel is the active material in saturated calomel electrodes (SCE).
These serve as standard reference electrodes in electrochemical analysis, pH measurement, and corrosion testing across laboratory and industrial quality control environments.
In electronics manufacturing, it supports calibration processes where stable, reproducible electrode potentials are required. Pharmaceutical and chemical research facilities use it as a catalyst.
It is utilized in select organic synthesis reactions where mercury-based catalysis offers specific selectivity advantages. Historically significant in pharmaceutical compounding, it remains a reference compound.
It is used in regulatory and analytical standards work. Mercury(I) chloride is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder available in reagent-grade and analytical-grade specifications.
These grades meet laboratory and industrial purity requirements. Packaging is typically offered in small quantities consistent with its specialized, low-volume demand profile.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 400 °C (sublm) |
| Boiling Point | 384 °C |
| Density | 7.15 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | White, rhombic crystals or crystalline powder; odorless. Stable in air but darkens on exposure to light.decomposed by alkalies. Insoluble in water, ether, alcohol, and cold dilute acids. |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | powder |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in (0.002g/L )water. |
| Vapor Pressure | 1.7 mm Hg at 236 °C |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS07 GHS09 GHS06 GHS08 Hazard Statements H301 Toxic if swallowed H302 Harmful if swallowed H312 Harmful in contact with skin H315 Causes skin irritation H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H319 Causes serious eye irritation H320 Causes eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H370 Causes damage to organs H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H400 Very toxic to aquatic life H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P391 Collect spillage. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P333+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| UN Number | 2811 |
| ADR Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | III |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 10112-91-1
- EC Number
- 233-307-5
- Mol. Weight
- 472.09
- Category
- Organometallic Compounds