Mercury, a visitation plus a tribute.

To kick things off for this new (hopefully every weekday) blog, I'm going to discuss about Mercury.

Some of you might also have noticed that today would be the 65th birthday of lead vocal for the rock band Queen, Freddie Mercury. And let it not be a coincidence that his namesake has become the theme for the inaugural post, I find it quite meaningful to have him in my mind and in our (for those of you who loved him) still beating hearts.

Freddie was a truly unique individual, just google up his name [You know what? I've done that for you!] and read up a bit; you will soon find that he has always been one for controversy; powerful, flamboyant, absolutely unforgettable.

Which brings me to the heart of today's post. Elemental Mercury - Hg. As most of you would know, Hg is the only metal, and the only other element apart from bromine, which exists as a liquid as s.t.p. Commonly found in thermometers and tooth amalgams (alloyed).. Stunning stuff, considering our average experience with metals are pretty much on the side of hard solid surfaces. True, there are pretenders (gallium and some alkali metals) which doth melt just above room temp, the fact remains that at 25 degrees C, mercury is King.

Here's a video of mercury reacting in conc nitric acid!



Cool, yes? In this rxn, Hg(II) salts are formed. I especially like the initial motion of shiny liquid and the effects of the bubbling. How can you not fall in love with cuteness like this? Transition metals rock, big time!

Yes, I'm a HUGE fan of the d-block elements. :D Awesome things they are.. Especially Iridium, which is quite literally

Out Of This World!!!!!

But one little known fact (unless of course, you are a hardcore chemist or you read Nature Blogs, or both) which I would like to share is that a mercury eye wash is one of the most fun best ways to remove any metal shrapnel in your delicate sight organs. Unbelievable? Believe it! I will simply love to have a try help you with any metal-related injuries.

Well, my sincerest advice is to watch it when you deal with flying shards of metal heading straight to your face. Do remember that goggles are a far better option than a mercury wash, but just in case of a freak accident, you know what to do.. (Consult a doctor chemist, duh!)

Also, a little shout out to a certain Joanne Yeo, very sorry about the branch incident! Hope you feel better with a mention here. :)