What is Mercury(II) sulfate?
'''Mercury(II) sulfate''', also known as '''mercuric sulfate''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is HgSO<sub>4</sub>. It has [[mercury (element)|mercury]] and [[sulfate]] [[ion]]s in it. The mercury is in its +2 [[oxidation state]]. ==Properties== Mercury(II) sulfate is a colorless solid. It reacts with hot water to make [[sulfuric acid]] and a mercury oxysulfate that does not dissolve. It is an [[oxidizing agent]]. ==Preparation== Mercury(II) sulfate is made by dissolving a small amount of mercury metal in concentrated sulfuric acid. It can also be made by reacting [[mercury(II) oxide]] with sulfuric acid. ==Uses== Mercury(II) sulfate is used as a [[catalyst]] in making [[acetaldehyde]]. Some byproducts of this reaction that have mercury in them are thought to have poisoned many people in Japan (Minamata disease). ==Related pages== *[[Mercury(I) sulfate]] *[[Mercury(II) chloride]] [[Category:Mercury compounds]] [[Category:Sulfur compounds]]