Thermal Decomposition of Mercury(II) Oxide

2HgO → 2Hg + O2

Tổng quan

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.

Người tham gia

Vai trò Chất Hệ số Trạng thái
Sản phẩm Oxygen O 1 (g)
Sản phẩm Mercury Hg 2 (l)

Ví dụ thực tế

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

Tầm quan trọng công nghiệp

While no longer used industrially, this reaction was crucial to the development of modern chemistry and our understanding of elements and compounds.

Tính chất

Loại
Decomposition
Thuận nghịch
Có
Năng lượng
Thu nhiệt
ΔH
181,6 kJ/mol

Phản ứng liên quan

Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate Decomposition of Calcium Hypochlorite Decomposition of Carbonic Acid Decomposition of Iron(II,III) Oxide (Direct Reduction) Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Decomposition of Barium Peroxide Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate Decomposition of Water (Electrolysis) Thermal Decomposition of Copper(II) Carbonate Cracking of Octane (Thermal Cracking)

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.