Mercuric nitrate is used in mercuration reactions. In particular, it is used in reactions involving ketones. One of the chemicals which it is most effective with is acetone.
The more commonly reported estimated lethal dose of ingested mercury I chloride in an adult is 1 to 2 grams or 10 to 42 mg mercury/kg.
Light sensitive. Incompatible with alcohols, sulfur and strong reducing agents.