5877. Mercuric Cyanide

Nomenclature

CAS number: 592-04-1
Cianurina.
C2HgN2; mol wt 252.62.
C 9.51%, Hg 79.40%, N 11.09%.
Hg(CN)2.

Description and references

Obtained by evaporating a soln of HgO in aq HCN: Biltz, Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 170, 161 (1928).

Properties

Colorless, odorless, tetragonal crystals or white powder; darkens on exposure to light. Poisonous. d 3.996. Dec at 320°. One gram dissolves in 13 ml water, 3 ml boiling water, 13 ml alcohol, 4 ml methanol; slowly sol in glycerol; slightly sol in ether. Protect from light.

Therapeutic Category

Topical antiseptic.

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Has been used as a topical antiseptic.