Mercury
[CAS# 7439-97-6]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Synthetic anti-infective drugs >> Disinfectant antiseptic
• Name: Mercury
• Molecular Formula: Hg
• Molecular Weight: 200.59
• CAS Registry Number: 7439-97-6 (8031-27-4)
• EC Number: 231-106-7
• SMILES: [Hg]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS06;GHS08;GHS09 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H290-H300+H330-H300-H330-H360-H372-H400-H410
• Precautionary Statements: P203-P234-P260-P264-P270-P271-P273-P280-P284-P301+P316-P304+P340-P316-P318-P319-P320-P321-P330-P390-P391-P403+P233-P405-P406-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H330
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H300
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	1	H330
Substances or mixtures corrosive to metals	Met. Corr.	1	H290
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360D
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H331
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1A	H360
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H373
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	1	H371
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	2	H341
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360D

• Transport Information: UN 3289

Discovory and Applicatios

Mercury, with the chemical symbol Hg and atomic number 80, is a unique element that has been known since ancient times. It is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature, a property that has fascinated scientists and alchemists for centuries. The element, also known as quicksilver due to its silvery appearance, has been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to 1500 BCE, indicating its early use in human history.

Mercury was discovered and used by various ancient civilizations for a range of purposes. The Romans, for instance, used mercury in the extraction of gold and silver, a technique that involves forming an amalgam with the metals, which could then be heated to evaporate the mercury and leave behind the purified gold or silver. This method, known as amalgamation, revolutionized mining and greatly increased the efficiency of metal extraction, though it also exposed miners to toxic mercury fumes.

In the Middle Ages, alchemists regarded mercury as one of the primary substances in their quest to transform base metals into gold. The element’s ability to combine easily with other metals, forming amalgams, was central to many alchemical experiments. Alchemists also believed that mercury had mystical properties, linking it to the fluidity and transformation of life.

The applications of mercury expanded significantly with the advancement of science and technology. In the 16th century, mercury was used in the treatment of syphilis, one of the few options available before the discovery of antibiotics. However, this treatment often led to mercury poisoning, highlighting the element’s toxic nature.

One of the most notable applications of mercury is in thermometers and barometers, which became widespread in the 18th century. Mercury’s uniform expansion and contraction in response to temperature changes made it ideal for accurately measuring temperature. Similarly, its density and liquid state allowed for precise atmospheric pressure measurements in barometers. These instruments became essential tools in scientific research and daily life, although they have largely been replaced by safer alternatives due to mercury’s toxicity.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, mercury found applications in a variety of industrial processes. It was used in the production of chlorine and caustic soda through the mercury cell process and in the manufacture of electrical switches, batteries, and fluorescent lamps. The amalgam’s ability to conduct electricity while remaining liquid made mercury an important component in these technologies.

However, the environmental and health hazards associated with mercury have led to a significant decline in its use. Mercury is highly toxic, particularly in its methylmercury form, which accumulates in living organisms and can cause severe neurological damage. This has been a major concern in cases of environmental contamination, such as the Minamata disease outbreak in Japan in the 1950s, where industrial discharge of mercury into the bay led to widespread poisoning.

In response to these dangers, many countries have implemented strict regulations on mercury use, and international agreements like the Minamata Convention on Mercury aim to reduce its emissions and usage globally. Despite its decline in industrial applications, mercury remains important in certain scientific instruments, dental amalgams, and some industrial processes, though efforts continue to find safer alternatives.

In summary, mercury is a historically significant element with a wide range of applications, from ancient alchemy to modern industry. Its unique properties have made it a valuable substance, but its toxic effects have led to increased regulation and a search for safer alternatives in recent years.

References

Yinghui Wang, Bin Li, Liming Zhang, Lina Liu, Qinghui Zuo and Peng Li (2010) A highly selective regenerable optical sensor for detection of mercury(ii) ion in water using organic�inorganic hybrid nanomaterials containing pyrene. New J. Chem., 34, 1946.
DOI: 10.1039/c0nj00039f

Donghoon Han, Sung Yul Lim, Beom Jin Kim, Lilin Piao and Taek Dong Chung (2010) Mercury(ii) detection by SERS based on a single gold microshell. Chem. Commun., 46, 5587.
DOI: 10.1039/c0cc00895h

Xi Zhu, Lifeng Chen, Zhenyu Lin, Bin Qiu and Guonan Chen (2010) A highly sensitive and selective �signal-on� electrochemiluminescent biosensor for mercury. Chem. Commun., 46, 3149.
DOI: 10.1039/b926319e