The equation 2Hg2(C2H3O2)2 -> 4HgO + 4C2H4O2 + 2O2

  1. Detailed information about the equation 2Hg2(C2H3O2)2 -> 4HgO + 4C2H4O2 + 2O2 ->

    • This is a chemical reaction equation that occurs between the compound mercury (II) acetate (Hg2(C2H3O2)2) and heat, resulting in the production of mercury (II) oxide (HgO), acetic acid (C2H4O2) and O2.
    • The number of moles of the reactants and products is represented by the coefficients in the equation, ensuring the principle of mass conservation.

  2. Reaction conditions

    • The main condition for this reaction to occur is the provision of heat. The appropriate temperature for the reaction to occur is around 400 degrees Celsius.

  3. Reaction process

    • When heat is supplied, mercury (II) acetate will decompose to form mercury (II) oxide, acetic acid, and oxygen.
    • This process occurs in two steps: first, mercury (II) acetate decomposes into mercury (II) oxide and acetylene, then acetylene reacts with oxygen to form acetic acid.

  4. Occurring phenomena

    • At the onset of the reaction, the white solid of mercury (II) acetate starts to melt and turns orange due to the formation of mercury (II) oxide.
    • Simultaneously, gas is expelled from the reaction process, which is acetic acid gas and oxygen.

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