Chemical Name: Mercury(II) Bromide
Synonyms: Mercuric bromide, Dibromomercury
Chemical Formula: HgBr2
CAS Number: 7789-47-1
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, chemical synthesis
Manufacturer Information: Refer to supplier’s address and emergency contact details on packaging
Emergency Phone: Refer to local poison control center or emergency response unit
Product Use Restrictions: Intended for professional and industrial use only
Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Skin irritation, Eye irritation, Specific target organ toxicity, Environmental hazard for aquatic environment
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Fatal if swallowed, Toxic if inhaled, Causes skin and serious eye irritation, May damage kidneys and central nervous system, Very toxic to aquatic organisms with long lasting effects
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, environment
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, Avoid breathing dust, Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area, Wear protective gloves, clothing, eye and face protection, Do not eat, drink or smoke during use
Chemical: Mercury(II) Bromide
Common Name: Mercuric bromide
CAS Number: 7789-47-1
Concentration: 98–100% by weight
Impurities: May contain traces of mercury(II) oxide, bromine compounds
Other Components: No additives intentionally present within product
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air without delay. Keep patient calm. Seek immediate medical attention. Provide artificial respiration if breathing stops.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. Immediate medical care required.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, separating eyelids with fingers. Medical evaluation necessary.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth thoroughly. Call poison center or physician right away. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
General Advice: Ensure rescuers use appropriate protective gear to avoid secondary contamination.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, do not use water jets
Hazards from Combustion: Mercury and bromine vapors, hydrogen bromide gas
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes
Specific Fire Procedures: Cool sealed containers with water spray from a safe distance. Avoid allowing runoff from fire control to enter drains or watercourses.
Explosion Risk: No explosive properties documented, toxic fumes produced in fire.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel. Use proper respiratory protection, gloves, goggles, and chemical resistant clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry of material to drains, watercourses, or soil.
Spill Response: Ventilate area. Do not touch spilled material without adequate protection. Use inert absorbent like vermiculite to collect residue. Clean up spills promptly in accordance with local regulations. Dispose of contaminated items as hazardous waste.
Decontamination: Wash area thoroughly after removal of material. Monitor for mercury vapor release with calibrated equipment.
Handling Recommendations: Handle only in a chemical fume hood with local ventilation. Avoid formation and inhalation of dust. Avoid all contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not eat, drink, or smoke where chemical is used. Use tools and equipment designed for handling toxic materials.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, clearly labeled, in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place away from light and moisture. Segregate from food, acids, alkalis, and incompatible substances. Lock storage area and restrict access to trained personnel only.
Storage Temperature: Store at room temperature, protect from heat sources. Maintain inventory control and inspect regularly.
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for mercury compounds (as Hg): 0.1 mg/m3 (ceiling value); ACGIH TLV: 0.025 mg/m3 (TWA, skin notation)
Engineering Controls: Use fume hood and local exhaust. Emergency eyewash and safety shower must be readily accessible.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), splash-proof goggles, lab coat or chemical apron, closed footwear, respiratory protection (full-face or half-mask respirator with vapor/particulate cartridge) required for dusty or ventilation-limited locations.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before breaks and when leaving work. Remove contaminated clothing before entering eating or communal areas. Decontaminate PPE regularly.
Appearance: White or pale yellowish crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 360.41 g/mol
Melting Point: 237°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Poorly soluble in cold water, more soluble in hot water; soluble in some organic solvents (e.g., alcohol, acetone)
Density: 6.53 g/cm3 (at 20°C)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
pH (in water): Data not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable; nonflammable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions if kept dry and protected from light
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids, bases, ammonia, hot metals, reducing agents
Incompatible Materials: Metals, oxidizers, halogenated compounds, strong acids and bases
Decomposition Products: Mercury vapor, bromine, hydrogen bromide gas
Condition to Avoid: Moisture, light, heat sources, mechanical shock, open flames, contact with incompatible chemicals
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 33 mg/kg; extremely toxic by ingestion and inhalation
Chronic Effects: Accumulates in kidneys and nervous system; chronic exposure can cause tremors, neurological disorders, memory loss, kidney damage
Irritation: Causes irritation and possible burns to skin, mucosa, eyes
Sensitization: May cause allergic reactions in sensitized individuals
Mutagenicity: Evidence of mutagenic effects in animal studies
Carcinogenicity: Not classifiable as to carcinogenicity by IARC, but mercury compounds linked to kidney and CNS effects
Environmental Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life, high long-term hazard to environment
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, does not break down in environment, accumulates in sediments and living tissues
Bioaccumulation: Mercury highly bioaccumulative in aquatic food chains
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility, binds to organic matter, risk of leaching to groundwater if mishandled
Other Harmful Effects: Toxic to birds, mammals, and invertebrates, major contributor to ecological mercury burden
Waste Disposal: Treat as hazardous waste under local, state, and national regulations. Do not discharge to sewers or water courses. Hand over to licensed chemical waste disposal contractor. Containers and any cleaning materials contaminated with the chemical should be managed as hazardous waste.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse, then puncture and dispose or recycle safely. Follow specific regulations for mercury-containing waste in area of use.
Other Notes: Keep records of disposal. Report significant releases to environmental authorities as legally required.
UN Number: 1624
Proper Shipping Name: Mercury(II) Bromide
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: I
Labels: Toxic substance label required
Special Precautions: Keep away from all food and feedstuffs, secure, and upright in shipment. Emergency action code and response instructions must accompany shipments.
Environmental Hazards During Transport: Marine pollutant
OSHA: Listed as toxic substance, specific standards apply
EPA: Regulated as hazardous substance; subject to CERCLA and RCRA rules
TSCA: Listed
REACH: Requires notification and assessment for use in EU
WHMIS (Canada): Class D1A (very toxic material), D2B (toxic material causing other effects), D3 (biohazardous infectious material)
SARA Title III: Section 313 reportable substance
Other Regulation: Detailed reporting and management required in many jurisdictions due to mercury content; refer to local and international controls for comprehensive requirements
