Dimercury

/daɪˈmɜrkjəri/ noun

Definition

A molecular or ionic species composed of two mercury atoms bonded together, or a compound where mercury appears as a diatomic unit.

Etymology

Literally 'di-' (two) + 'mercury' (the element Hg). The term describes binary molecules of mercury, following straightforward chemical nomenclature for polyatomic elements.

Kelly Says

Mercury is so unusual that it can form Hg₂²⁺, called the mercury(I) cation, which is actually a dimercury species despite having a +1 oxidation state per atom—it's one of chemistry's confusing exceptions that trips up chemistry students worldwide.

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