Mercury(II) perchlorate trihydrate can hydrolyze vinyl halogenides and thioacetals; promotes formation of dialkyl ethers by nucleophilic substitution of alkyl bromides with alcohols; cleaves cyclopropanes.
Used in chemical research.
Mercury(II) perchlorate trihydrate can be prepared in situ by heating Mercury(II) Oxide and 60% aq HClO4 at 40-60 °C for 1-5 min, or at rt by mixing Mercury(II) Acetate and HClO4 in DME or THF.
Acute poison; oxidizer; exposure to all mercury compounds is to be strictly avoided. Releases toxic Hg and Cl2 fumes when heated to decomposition. Protect from light.
