Chapter 20, Problem 118RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The mechanism that is observed by the mixing of ${\text{CH}}_3\text{HgI}$ and ${\text{HgI}}_2$ in a reaction mixture is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Dimethylmercury (${{\text{(CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{)}}_{\text{2}}\text{Hg}$) is one of the most toxic organometallic compounds. It readily reacts with mercury iodide (${\text{HgI}}_2$) to form Methylmercury (II) iodide (${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{HgI}$). Sometimes the radioactive isotope of mercury is infused with iodine as $\left({}^{\ast }{\text{HgI}}_2\right)$ in order to analyze its chemical property with respect to its no radioactive element.