Hg₂Cl₂ (mercury(I) chloride, also known as calomel) is an ionic compound semiconductor historically significant in electrochemistry and analytical chemistry. Though largely superseded in modern applications due to mercury's toxicity and environmental concerns, it remains notable as the basis material for calomel reference electrodes, which are still used in certain electrochemical measurements where their stability and well-defined potential are critical. Engineers selecting this material must weigh its electrochemical reliability against regulatory restrictions and safer alternatives like Ag/AgCl reference electrodes.
Compliance & Regulations
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Band Gap(Eg) | 2.840 | eV | — |