Question

Name the ore of mercury and state the form in which it is found in nature. Write the chemical equations along with the condition required for the reactions involved in the extraction of mercury from its ore.

Answer 1

The ore of mercury is Cinnabar (HgS). It is found in nature in the form of mercury(II) sulfide.
Extraction of mercury: The extraction of mercury involves the following steps

Step 1: Roasting of cinnabar (HgS):
Cinnabar is heated in the presence of air (oxygen) to produce mercury vapor and sulfur dioxide.
\(( 2\text{HgS} + 3\text{O}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Heat}} 2\text{Hg} + 2\text{SO}_2 )\)

Step 2: Condensation of mercury vapor:
The mercury vapor formed is cooled and condensed to obtain liquid mercury.
Condition: The reaction is carried out in a controlled furnace with sufficient air supply.