Thermal Decomposition of Mercury(II) Oxide

2HgO → 2Hg + O2

Descripción general

Mercury(II) oxide decomposes when heated to about 500 C into mercury metal and oxygen gas. This reaction is historically significant as it was used by Joseph Priestley in 1774 to discover oxygen. The red powder turns into shiny mercury droplets when heated.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Producto Oxygen O 1 (g)
Producto Mercury Hg 2 (l)

Ejemplo cotidiano

This reaction is primarily of historical significance, demonstrating a fundamental chemical principle in the discovery of oxygen.

Importancia industrial

Experimento histórico que estableció la composición del aire; el mercurio tiene usos en instrumentación y amalgamas dentales.

Propiedades

Tipo
Decomposition
Reversible
Sí
Energía
Endotérmico
ΔH
181,6 kJ/mol

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Thermal Decomposition of Mercury(II) Oxide?
The balanced equation is: 2HgO → 2Hg + O₂.
What type of reaction is Thermal Decomposition of Mercury(II) Oxide?
Thermal Decomposition of Mercury(II) Oxide is a decomposition reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Thermal Decomposition of Mercury(II) Oxide exothermic or endothermic?
Thermal Decomposition of Mercury(II) Oxide is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 181.6 kJ/mol.