General Description
White crystalline solid with an odor of vinegar. Sensitive to light. Density 3.25 g/cm3. Toxic by inhalation (dust, etc.) and by ingestion.
Reactivity Profile
MERCURY ACETATE(1600-27-7) is incompatible with acetylene, ammonia, chlorine dioxide, azides, calcium (amalgam formation), sodium carbide, lithium, rubidium, and copper .
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble. Decomposed by water to form a yellow insoluble product.
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin
absorption; strong irritant.
Health Hazard
MERCURY ACETATE may cause death by hypovolemic shock or kidney failure. Chronic exposure may lead to kidney failure.
Potential Exposure
Mercuric acetate is used chiefly for
mercuration of organic compounds; for the absorption ofethylene; as a chemical intermediate for phenylmercuric
acetate; a mildewcide; and other organomercury compounds. It is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis; and in
the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition, MERCURY ACETATE emits toxic fumes of mercury. Avoid light.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Speed in removing material from skin
is of extreme importance. Shampoo hair promptly if contaminated. Seek medical attention immediately. If this
chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin
rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomitting. Medical observation is
recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for
pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may
consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy.
Antidotes and Special Procedures for medical personnel:
The drug NAP (n-acetyl penicillamine) has been used to
treat mercury poisoning, with mixed success.
Shipping
UN1629 Mercury acetate, Hazard Class: 6.1;
Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine,
bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases,
strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Light and heat can cause
decomposition.
Description
Mercury (II) acetate is the chemical compound with the formula Hg(O2CCH3)2. Commonly abbreviated Hg (OAc)2, this compound is employed as a reagent to generate organomercury compounds from unsaturated organic precursors.
Chemical Properties
Mercuric acetate is a white crystalline solid
with a mild vinegar-like odor.
Chemical Properties
Mercuric acetate, Hg(C2H3O2)2 , is a toxic, light-sensitive white powder, soluble in water,alcohol,and acetic acid. On exposure to heat, mercuric acetate produces toxic fumes of mercury/mercuric oxide. Mercuric acetate is incompatible with chromic acid, chromic anhydride, nitric acid, perchloric acid, permanganates, sodium peroxide, potassium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxides, acid anhydrides, and strong oxidising agents.
Physical properties
Mercury(II) acetate is a crystalline solid consisting of isolated Hg(OAc)2 molecules with Hg-O distances of 2.07 ?. Three long, weak intermolecular Hg···O bonds of about 2.75 ? are also present,resulting in a slightly distorted square pyramidal coordination geometry at Hg.
Uses
Chiefly for mercuration of organic compounds; for the absorption of ethylene.
Uses
Mercuric acetate is used as an oxidizing agent in organic synthesis. It is used in oxymercuration of double bonds. Mercuric acetate is used in non-aqueous titration. It is employed in the manufacture of phenyl mercury compounds which have pharmaceutical applications. It removes the acetamidomethyl protecting group from protected thiol, and converts thiocarbonate esters into dithiocarbonates. It promotes the addition of hydroxide and alkoxide across carbon-carbon double bonds.
Uses
Used in determination of nitrate in chromium compounds
Reactions
Arenes undergo "mercuration" upon treatment with Hg(OAc)2. The one acetate group that remains on mercury can be displaced by chloride :
C6H5OH + Hg(OAc)2 → C6H4(OH)-2-HgOAc + HOAc
C6H4(OH)-2-HgOAc + NaCl → C6H4(OH)-2-HgCl + NaOAc
The Hg2+ center binds to alkenes, inducing the addition of hydroxide and alkoxide. For example, treatment of methylacrylate with mercuric acetate in methanol gives an α - mercuri ester :
Hg(OAc)2 + CH2 = CHCO2CH3 + CH3OH → CH3OCH2CH(HgOAc)CO2CH3+ HOAc
Mercury(II) has a high affinity for sulfur ligands. Hg (OAc)2 can be used as a reagent to remove the acetamidomethyl protecting group, which is used to "protect" thiol groups in organic synthesis. Similarly Hg(OAc)2 is a standard reagent to convert thiocarbonate esters into dithiocarbonates:
(RS)2C=S + H2O + Hg(OAc)2 → (RS)2C=O + HgS + 2 HOAc
Mercury (II) acetate is used for oxymercuration reactions.
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Store in a secure poison location. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, wellventilated area away from oxidizers (such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates and nitrates), light, heat, and acids.
Purification Methods
Recrystallise it from glacial acetic acid. POISONOUS. [Beilstein 2 IV 114.]
