The equation 2Hg2(NO3)2 -> 4HgO + 4NO2 + O2

  1. Detailed information about the equation 2Hg2(NO3)2 -> 4HgO + 4NO2 + O2 -> :
    This equation describes the thermodynamic decomposition process of mercury(II) nitrate, resulting in mercury(II) oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen.

  • On the left side of the equation, 2Hg2(NO3)2 is mercury(II) nitrate, a white solid substance.

  • On the right side of the equation, 4HgO is mercury(II) oxide, a red or brownish-red solid substance; 4NO2 is nitrogen dioxide, a reddish-brown gas; O2 is oxygen, a colorless gas.

  1. Reaction conditions:
    This reaction occurs at high temperatures.

  2. Reaction process:
    When mercury(II) nitrate is heated, it decomposes to create mercury(II) oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen. The product, mercury(II) oxide, can further decompose to create metallic mercury and oxygen if the temperature is increased even further.

  3. Observations:
    When heated, mercury(II) nitrate transforms from a white solid to a yellow-red or brownish-red solid (mercury(II) oxide), and releases reddish-brown gas (nitrogen dioxide) along with colorless oxygen gas.

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