3 HgS (s) + 2 HNO3 (aq) + 6 HCl (aq) → 3 HgCl2 (aq) + 3 S (s) + 2 NO (g) + 4 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
3 S-II - 6 e- → 3 S0 (oxidation)
2 NV + 6 e- → 2 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.]
- Other names: Aqua fortis
- 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.]
- Other names: Hydrochloric acid
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