Mercuric chloride is used as a catalyst for the conversion of acetylene to vinyl chloride, the precursor to polyvinylchloride It is used as embalming chemical, photographic intensifier. It is also used as a treatment for syphilis and in very dilute solution as an antiseptic.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.