Mercury(II) stearate

Mercury(II) stearate is a metal-organic compound, a salt of mercury and stearic acid with the chemical formula. The compound is classified as a metallic soap, i.e. a metal derivative of a fatty acid. The compound is highly toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption.

Synthesis
An exchange reaction of sodium stearate and mercury dichloride:


 * $$\mathsf{ HgCl_2 + 2C_{17}H_{35}COONa \ \xrightarrow{}\ Hg(C_{17}H_{35}COO)_2\downarrow + 2 NaCl }$$

Also, heating mercurious oxide with stearic acid.

Physical properties
The compound forms yellow waxy substance.

Uses
It is used as a germicide and as a plasticizer in the production of ceramics.