What is the chemical formula for Mercury (II) dihydrogen phosphate?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The chemical formula for Mercury (II) dihydrogen phosphate is Hg(H2PO4)2.
Explanation:
Mercury (II) refers to the ion of mercury with a +2 charge, denoted as Hg²⁺. In this compound, mercury forms bonds with dihydrogen phosphate ions, each of which has the formula H2PO4⁻. Dihydrogen phosphate is a polyatomic ion composed of two hydrogen atoms (H), one phosphorus atom (P), and four oxygen atoms (O). The negative charge on the dihydrogen phosphate ion is essential for balancing the positive charge of the mercury ion.
Since Mercury (II) has a +2 charge, it can combine with two dihydrogen phosphate ions, each having a -1 charge, to form a neutral compound. Therefore, the formula is Hg(H2PO4)2, indicating one mercury ion bonded to two dihydrogen phosphate ions.
Bonding and Structure:
- The mercury ion (Hg²⁺) coordinates with the negatively charged dihydrogen phosphate ions through ionic bonds. In each dihydrogen phosphate ion, the phosphorus atom is centrally bonded to two hydroxyl groups (OH) and two oxygen atoms that are double-bonded to phosphorus.
- The structure of the dihydrogen phosphate ion can be visualized as H2PO4⁻, with the negative charge distributed over the oxygen atoms.
- The two dihydrogen phosphate ions are symmetrically arranged around the mercury ion, contributing to the stability of the compound.
Properties:
Mercury (II) dihydrogen phosphate is a chemical compound formed from the interaction of mercury (II) ions and dihydrogen phosphate ions. It typically forms salts and is used in various chemical applications. Its crystalline form might be studied in inorganic chemistry for its ionic bonding and its interaction with other ions.