mercury

(mĕr′kyŭ-rē )

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[L. Mercurius, a Roman god]
SYMB: Hg A metallic element, atomic weight (mass) 201, atomic number 80. Mercury is a silvery liquid at room temperature. It forms two series of salts: mercurous, in which it has a valence of one (univalent), and mercuric, in which it has a valence of two (divalent).
SEE: dental amalgam
Mercury is insoluble in ordinary solvents but soluble in hydrochloric acid on boiling. Boiling releases irritating, highly toxic fumes into the air.

CAS # 7439-97-6

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