MERCURIC IODIDE RED AR Uses Mercury(II) iodide is used as an analytical reagent, in Nesslers reagent for the analysis of ammonia. The compound also is used in ointments for the treatment of skin diseases.
Mercury(II) iodide is a semiconductor material, used in some x-ray and gamma ray detection and imaging devices operating at room temperatures. In veterinary medicine, mercury(II) iodide is used in blister ointments in exostoses, bursal enlargement, etc. It can appear as a precipitate in many reactions.
Dissolve 10.0 g of the sample in 100 mL of 10% potassium iodide reagent solution in a glass-stoppered flask. A complete, or practically complete, solution results.
Mercury iodide appears as a scarlet-red odorless tasteless powder. Sensitive to light. Insoluble in water and sinks in water. At elevated temperatures turns yellow but turns back to red upon cooling.