13 Facts on HCl + HgO: What, How To Balance & FAQs

Hydrochloric acid in reaction with mercury oxide forms a white crystalline solid along with water molecules. Let us discuss about the reaction.

Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is a colorless to slightly yellow strong acid. It is also corrosive, nonflammable gas. Mercury oxide (HgO) is an inorganic compound and is red or orange in appearance.

The reaction of HgO and HCl is to look over their potential in industrial manufacture. The reaction is further explored for the below-mentioned chemical reactivities.

What is the product of HCl and HgO?

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with mercuric oxide (HgO) to form mercuric chloride (HgCl2) and water (H2O).

2 HCl (aq) + HgO (s) → H2O (l) + HgCl2 (aq)

What type of reaction is HCl + HgO?

HCl and HgO is a double displacement reaction as Cl2 reacts with Hg to form HgCl2 and H2 reacts with O to produce H2O.

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Double displacement reaction

How to balance HCl + HgO?

Steps to balance the reaction HCl + HgO are mentioned below:

HCl + HgO = Hgcl2 + H2O

  • Note down the number of moles present as shown
ElementsRHSLHS
H12
Hg11
Cl12
O11
Balancing Table
  • Due to presence of unequal number of chlorine and hydrogen atoms on both side, it is balanced by multiplying 2 with HCl.
  • 2HCl + HgO = HgCl2 + H2O
  • Thus the overall balanced reaction is-
  • 2HCl + HgO = HgCl2 + H2O

HCl + HgO titration

Titration between HCl and HgO cannot be done as it is not acid base reaction.

HCl + HgO net ionic equation

The net ionic equation for HCl + HgO is as follows-

HgO(s) + 2H+ (aq) = H2O (l) + Hg2+ (aq)

Following steps are used to derive the net ionic equation.

  • Mention the state of each element as shown-
  • HgO(s) + HCl(aq) = HgCl2 (aq) + H2O (l).
  • The ionic compounds are separated into their respective ions, which is defined as the complete ionic equation-
  • HgO (s) + 2H+ (aq) + Cl2- (aq) = H2O (l) + Hg2+ (aq) + Cl2- (aq)
  • As ionic equation consist of ion involved in reaction therefore common ions present on either side of the arrows are called-
  • HgO (s) + 2H+ (aq) + Cl2-(aq) = H2O (l) + Hg2+ (aq) + Cl2-(aq)
  • The net ionic equation is-
  • HgO (s) + 2H+ = H2O (l) + Hg2+ (aq)

HCl + HgO conjugate pairs

The conjugate pairs for HCl + HgO are-

  • Cl is the conjugate base pair for HCl
  • Hg is the conjugate acid of HgO.

HCl and HgO intermolecular forces

The intermolecular forces between HCl and HgO are-

  • Dipole-dipole and London dispersion are the two forces present in HCl.
  • London dispersion forces and metallic bonds exist in HgO.

Is HCl + HgO a buffer solution

HCl + HgO is not a buffer solution because the reaction is carried out in presence of strong HCl acid.

Is HCl + HgO a complete reaction

HCl + HgO is a complete reaction as the number of moles of reactant are consumed completely to yield mercury chloride (HgCl2) and water at equilibrium.

Is HCl + HgO an exothermic or endothermic reaction

HCl + HgO reaction enthalpy is not defined, therefore cannot predict as exothermic or endothermic reaction.

Is HCl + HgO a redox reaction

HCl + HgO is not a redox reaction because the oxidation number of elements do not change in reaction.

Is HCl + HgO a precipitation reaction

HCl + HgO is not a precipitate reaction as the product formed- mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is water soluble.

Is HCl + HgO reversible or irreversible reaction

HCl + HgO is not a reversible reaction as stable product HgCl2 is formed.

Is HCl + HgO displacement reaction

HCl + HgO exhibits is not a displacement reaction, as in the given reaction ion exchange is taking place whereas in displacement highly reactive element.

Conclusion

Mercury Oxide (HgO) is used in the production of mercury, used in alkaline batteries, pigments, and seed protectants as well as a preservative in cosmetics. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is used for the production of fertilizers, dyes. Mercury Chloride is applied in photography, as wood preservatives, and fungicides.