Substance profile
Mercury cyanide oxide (Hg2(CN)2O)
Mercury cyanide oxide (Hg2(CN)2O) is a chemical substance with the molecular formula C2Hg2N2O.
01 · Identification
What Mercury cyanide oxide… is
Mercury cyanide oxide (Hg2(CN)2O) is a chemical substance with the molecular formula C2Hg2N2O. Its molecular formula is C2Hg2N2O and its molecular weight is 469.22 g/mol.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
Other names for Mercury cyanide oxide…
- dimercury dicyanide oxide
- mercuric oxycyanide
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H201 | Explosive; mass explosion hazard. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P314, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Mercury cyanide oxide…
Reactivity
MERCURIC OXYCYANIDE detonates on heating [Hawley]. Several instances have been reported where explosions occurred in handling this substance. Friction is a frequent cause of the explosion [Chem. Abst. 16:2010. 1972]. Decomposes on contact with acid to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poisonous gas. Desensitized by mixing 67% mercuric cyanide to create commercial product.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Mercury cyanide oxide… in the storage compatibility matrix →