mercuric chloride

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble, strongly acrid, highly poisonous solid, HgCl 2 , prepared by sublimation of chlorine with mercury, and used chiefly as an antiseptic.

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mercuric chloride British  

noun

1. Also called: bichloride of mercury.   corrosive sublimate.  Systematic name: mercury(II) chloride.  a white poisonous soluble crystalline substance used as a pesticide, antiseptic, and preservative for wood. Formula: HgCl 2

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Etymology

Origin of mercuric chloride

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Double salts of cerous chloride with stannic chloride, mercuric chloride, and platinic chloride are also known.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 7 "Cerargyrite" to "Charing Cross" by Various

Thus mercuric chloride is changed into mercurous chloride: SnCl2 + 2HgCl2 = SnCl4 + 2HgCl.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

Long continued boiling with water gives mercury and mercuric chloride; dilute hydrochloric acid or solutions of alkaline chlorides convert it into mercuric chloride on long boiling.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 1 "Calhoun" to "Camoens" by Various

The mercuric chloride, being readily volatile, vaporizes and is condensed again in cool vessels.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

One portion of the solution strikes a purple colour with chloride of gold, another portion gives a white or grey precipitate or cloudiness with mercuric chloride.

From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius