pyrotechnics-revived/chapters/99-1-chemical-mercury-chlor...

571 B

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.