Synthesis of organic fluorine compounds.
Mercury(II) fluoride is a selective fluorination agent. Organic compounds, such as triphenylacetic acid, triphenyl ethylene, and triethyl phosphite can be selectively fluorinated in dimethylsulfoxide/HgF 2 solutions under UV-visible illumination. CF2I2 was synthesized by fluorination of tetraiodomethane with mercury(II) fluoride and purified.
Mercury(II) fluoride, HgF2, is most commonly prepared through the reaction of mercury(II) oxide with hydrogen
fluoride.
HgO + 2HF→HgF2 + H2O
It can also be produced through the fluorination of mercury(II) chloride.
HgCl2 + F2→HgF2 + Cl2
Highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and
skin absorption; strong irritant.
