3 HgS (s) + 8 HNO3 (aq) + 6 HCl (aq) → 3 HgCl2 (aq) + 8 NO (g) + 3 H2SO4 (aq) + 4 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
3 S-II - 24 e- → 3 SVI (oxidation)
8 NV + 24 e- → 8 NII (reduction)
HgS is a reducing agent, HNO3 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
- HgS – Mercury sulfide
- HNO3 – Nitric acid
- Other names: Aqua fortis , Spirit of niter , Eau forte
- Appearance: Colorless, yellow or red fuming liquid ; Colourless-to-yellow liquid with pungent odour ; Colorless, yellow, or red, fuming liquid with an acrid, suffocating odor. [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution. Fuming nitric acid is concentrated nitric acid that contains dissolved nitrogen dioxide.]
- HCl – Chlorane , Hydrogen chloride
- Other names: Hydrochloric acid , M , Uriatic acid
- Appearance: Colorless, transparent liquid, fumes in air if concentrated ; Colorless gas ; Colourless compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour ; Colorless to slightly yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]
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