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Acetic Acid; Methylmercury

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Identification
Molecular formula
CH3Hg+
CAS number
22967-92-6
IUPAC name
acetic acid;methylmercury
State
State

Methylmercury is typically encountered as a colorless liquid at room temperature. The properties can slightly vary if it is in a different state or form.

Melting point (Celsius)
170.80
Melting point (Kelvin)
443.95
Boiling point (Celsius)
204.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
477.15
General information
Molecular weight
215.63g/mol
Molar mass
215.6260g/mol
Density
3.1980g/cm3
Appearence

Methylmercury can appear as a white, crystalline solid or as a colorless liquid, depending on its exact form and purity. It is often encountered as methylmercuric chloride in research and industry, which appears as a solid form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Acetic Acid

Acetic acid, with the chemical formula C2H4O2, is a prominent organic acid known for its distinctive odor and sour taste. When it comes to solubility, acetic acid exhibits remarkable properties:

  • High Solubility in Water: Acetic acid is highly soluble in water, with its solubility exceeding 1,000 g/L at room temperature. This solubility is largely due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • Solvent Properties: It serves as an excellent solvent for various polar and non-polar compounds, facilitating reactions and extractions.
  • pH Influence: It can lower the pH of a solution significantly, making it useful in buffer solutions and food preservation.
  • Miscibility with Alcohols and Other Solvents: Acetic acid is miscible with common organic solvents, such as ethanol and diethyl ether, enhancing its applications in organic chemistry.

Overall, the solubility characteristics of acetic acid not only underline its importance in chemical processes but also its roles in food science and various industrial applications.

Solubility of Methylmercury

Methylmercury, represented by the formula CH3Hg+, is an organomercury compound primarily known for its toxicity and bioaccumulation in aquatic systems.

  • Low Solubility in Water: Methylmercury has limited solubility in water, generally considered as poorly soluble due to its hydrophobic methyl group.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: It is, however, more soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform and ether, which plays a role in its environmental distribution.
  • Environmental Impact: Its low water solubility is a factor that contributes to its persistence and ability to bioaccumulate in the food chain.

In summary, the solubility of methylmercury in organic solvents contrasts sharply with its water solubility, influencing its environmental behaviors and posing significant risks to both ecosystems and human health.

Interesting facts

Exploring Methylmercury

Methylmercury is a fascinating yet concerning compound within the realm of chemistry. It is an organic form of mercury that is created when inorganic mercury enters aquatic systems and is transformed by microorganisms. Here are some intriguing points about methylmercury:

  • Toxicity: Methylmercury is notorious for its neurotoxic effects, particularly on the developing nervous systems of fetuses and young children. Exposure to this compound can lead to serious health consequences, including cognitive impairments and motor function deficits.
  • Bioaccumulation: This compound has the remarkable ability to bioaccumulate in aquatic food chains. As smaller fish consume contaminated plankton, the concentration of methylmercury increases in their bodies. Larger predatory fish, in turn, accumulate even higher levels of this toxin.
  • Environmental Persistence: Methylmercury can persist in the environment due to its stable nature, remaining in water bodies for extended periods and posing long-term risks to both wildlife and human populations.
  • Analytical Detection: Scientists utilize advanced analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, to detect and quantify methylmercury levels in environmental samples, ensuring better monitoring and understanding of its impact.
  • Regulatory Measures: Many countries have implemented strong regulations regarding mercury emissions, largely due to the hazardous effects associated with methylmercury. Organizations focus on reducing its release from industrial processes and limit fish consumption advisories in contaminated areas.

As the great scientist Rachel Carson once stated, "The human environment is a part of the natural world, and the damage that we do to it, ultimately, we do to ourselves." The case of methylmercury profoundly illustrates the interconnectedness of environmental health and human well-being, prompting ongoing research and advocacy for sustainable practices.