Amalgam (chemistry) organic synthesis (e.g., for the Clemmensen reduction). It is the reducing agent in the Jones reductor, used in analytical chemistry. Formerly the zinc plates of dry batteries were amalgamated with a little mercury to prevent deterioration in storage. It is a binary solution (liquid-solid) of mercury and zinc. For the alkali metals, amalgamation is exothermic, and distinct chemical forms can be identified, such as KHg and KHg. KHg is a gold-coloured compound with a melting point of 178 °C, and KHg a silver-coloured compound with a melting point of 278 °C. These amalgams are very sensitive to air and water,
Amalgam tattoo common sites, although any mucosal site in the mouth is possible. It is painless, and appears as a blue-black or grey discolored macule on the surface of the mucosa. The borders of the tattoo are variable, and may be well defined, irregular or diffuse. Amalgam tattoo is caused by implantation of amalgam into the tissues. It may occur in several ways: Over time, the amalgam particles embedded in the soft tissues corrode. Macrophages take up the exogenous particles, and the silver in amalgam leads to staining of collagen fibers. A similar appearance can be caused by implantation of graphite (e.g.