Mercury dissolves in concentrated nitric acid, with the evolution of a reddish-brown gas, just as in the reaction shown in figure 5.4 on page 188 for copper. The oxidation state of the mercury after reaction is +2. Write a balanced net ionic equation for the reaction?

Question

Mercury dissolves in concentrated nitric acid, with the evolution of a reddish-brown gas, just as in the reaction shown in figure 5.4 on page 188 for copper.  The oxidation state of the mercury after reaction is +2.  Write a balanced net ionic equation for the reaction?

DrBob222 · Answer

2Hg + 4HNO3 ==> 2Hg(NO3)2 + 2NO2 + 2H2O