mercuryI
Mercury(I), also called mercurous, describes mercury in the +1 oxidation state. In most compounds the mercury atoms exist as a diatomic cation, Hg2^2+, in which two mercury atoms share a mutual metal–metal bond. This Hg2^2+ unit is the characteristic feature of mercurous chemistry, distinguishing it from mercury(II) compounds in which each mercury is present as Hg2+ ions.
Mercurous salts are typically less stable in aqueous solution than their mercuric counterparts and many mercurous
Mercurous compounds have practical uses: calomel was used historically as a laxative and antiseptic, and calomel
Safety: Mercury(I) compounds are toxic; exposure can cause neurological and kidney damage. They are environmentally hazardous