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,
Dental amalgam controversy years. All available world-wide research indicates that amalgam is not harmful to health... No Government or reputable scientific, medical or dental body anywhere in the world accepts, on any published evidence, that dental amalgam is a hazard to health." The Irish Dental Association provides additional detail in a published patient information letter. France has publicly recognized the safety and effectiveness of amalgam restorations. A position paper on the Association Dentaire Française website states that amalgam restorations have proven to have no biological or toxic effect. They also mention that no serious pathological fact has ever been observed and no general