## Mercury chloride

**Formula**

$Hg2Cl2$

**Pyrotechnics use**

Chlorine donor

**Synonyms**

Calomel, Mercurous chloride.

**Description**

Mercury(I)chloride is a dense yellowish-white solid that was once used as a chlorine donor for enriching colour, but owing to it's high toxicity and relatively low chlorine content (15%) when compared to the likes of polyvinyl chloride and parlon, it hasn't been widely used in around 40 years.

**Sources** 

TBD

**Hazards**
 
Xn

Mercury(I)chloride is toxic and precautions should be taken to minimise exposure by any route.