Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Aluminium amalgam using mercuric acetate?

simba - 13-6-2011 at 16:06

Has anyone tried it already?

The reason why I am asking it, is because I just don't understand why all documentation on aluminium amalgams use mercuric chloride.

Mercuric acetate is more water soluble than mercuric chloride and should make an even better amalgam with aluminium. I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work.

If anyone has already tried it, please share your experience.

LanthanumK - 15-6-2011 at 14:03

This page (http://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB630...) states that mercuric acetate forms an amalgam with calcium metal. I don't see anything about Al, though.

[Edited on 15-6-2011 by LanthanumK]

Magic Muzzlet - 15-6-2011 at 14:05

Yes it works.

simba - 15-6-2011 at 16:42

Quote: Originally posted by LanthanumK  
This page (http://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB630...) states that mercuric acetate forms an amalgam with calcium metal. I don't see anything about Al, though.

[Edited on 15-6-2011 by LanthanumK]


The same website states nothing about mercuric chloride reacting with aluminium, so I don't think this is a matter. I'm just wondering about what would be this 'yellow insoluble' product it says:

Water soluble. Decomposed by water to form a yellow insoluble product.
Quote: Originally posted by Magic Muzzlet  
Yes it works.


Have you tried it already?



[Edited on 16-6-2011 by shivas]

[Edited on 16-6-2011 by shivas]

LanthanumK - 16-6-2011 at 02:56

A yellow insoluble product could be something like basic mercuric acetate.