What is Mercury(II) bromide?
'''Mercury(II) bromide''', also known as '''mercuric bromide''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is HgBr<sub>2</sub>. It has [[mercury (element)|mercury]] and [[bromide]] [[ion]]s in it. The mercury is in its +2 [[oxidation state]]. ==Properties== Mercury(II) bromide is a colorless solid. It is very toxic and similar to [[mercury(II) chloride]]. It can form [[explosive]] mixtures with [[potassium]]. It also reacts violently with [[indium]] at high temperatures. It is [[corrosive]]. ==Preparation== It can be made by reacting [[mercury(II) oxide]] with [[hydrobromic acid]] or by [[disproportionation]] of [[mercury(I) bromide]]. ==Uses== It is used as a [[reagent]] in a reaction in [[organic chemistry]]. It is also used to test for [[arsenic]]. The arsenic is reacted with [[hydrogen]] to make [[arsine]], which reacts with mercury(II) bromide to turn it yellow or brown. ==Related pages== *[[Sodium bromide]] *[[Mercury(II) sulfate]] [[Category:Mercury compounds]] [[Category:Bromine compounds]]