Preparation of Mercurous Fluoride

Preparation of Mercurous Fluoride.38 A solution of 40 g. of red mercuric oxide in a mixture of 28 cc. of concentrated nitric acid and 60 cc. of 

100 cc. of 48% hydrofluoric add and 260 cc. of water in a platinum dish, Which is then heated on the water bath. The mixture is stirred and heated until a dry, sandy powder is obtained. This powder is immediately scraped off the walls, crushed in the bottom of a platinum crudble, and then heated for an hour on the water bath. The salt must be removed from the dish and stored immediately in tightly stoppered copper or resin containers. The-yield is about 80 g. Analysis indicates the product to be essentially pure mercurous fluoride. The use of organic solvents for washing and drying does not simplify the process, and the use of chemical reagents inferior to the chemically pure grade causes complications. 

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