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Phenylmercury

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H5Hg
CAS number
100-56-1
IUPAC name
phenylmercury
State
State

At room temperature, phenylmercury is a solid.

Melting point (Celsius)
160.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
433.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
284.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
557.15
General information
Molecular weight
216.71g/mol
Molar mass
216.6960g/mol
Density
2.7820g/cm3
Appearence

At room temperature, phenylmercury typically appears as white crystalline flakes or a white amorphous powder.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Phenylmercury (C6H5Hg)

Pheynylmercury, a compound characterized by the presence of a mercury atom bonded to a phenyl group, exhibits notable solubility traits that are important to consider. The solubility of this organomercury compound can be influenced by several factors:

  • Polarity: The presence of the metal (Hg) can enhance the polarity of the compound, thereby potentially increasing its solubility in polar solvents.
  • Environmental Conditions: Solubility may vary significantly with temperature and pH level. For example, higher temperatures often augment solubility.
  • Solvents: Phenylmercury is especially soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform or ethanol, while being less soluble in water, which can limit its accessibility for certain applications.

To quote a well-established principle in chemistry, "like dissolves like." This statement succinctly captures the essence of solubility behavior. In the case of phenylmercury:

  • Water: It has limited solubility, often leading to precipitate formation.
  • Organic solvents: It shows a higher affinity, facilitating its dissolution and usability in various chemical contexts.

Understanding the solubility of phenylmercury is crucial, especially in fields like environmental chemistry and toxicology, where its behavior in different mediums can significantly impact safety and regulatory measures.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Phenylmercury

Pheynlmercury (C6H5Hg) is a fascinating organomercury compound that has garnered the attention of chemists and environmental scientists alike due to its unique properties and historical significance. Here are some intriguing facts:

  • Historical Usage: Phenylmercury has been historically used as a fungicide and antiseptic, particularly in agriculture for seed treatment. Its role in the early 20th century highlights the compound's potential benefits as well as the need for rigorous safety evaluations.
  • Toxicity Concerns: Like many mercury compounds, phenylmercury poses significant toxicity risks. It can bioaccumulate and lead to serious health issues, including neurological damage. This has led to more stringent regulations regarding its use and disposal.
  • Organomercury Chemistry: Phenylmercury is a prime example of organomercury chemistry, a field that explores the intriguing behavior of mercury when bonded with carbon-containing groups. This branch of chemistry is notable for its complex coordination and bonding interactions.
  • Reactivity and Stability: The reactivity profile of phenylmercury is intriguing. It is relatively stable in its pure form but can undergo reactions that release toxic mercury ions. This characteristic guides its application in various synthesis processes while cautioning users against its potential hazards.
  • Analytical Applications: Phenylmercury plays a role in analytical chemistry, serving as a reagent for the detection of certain biological molecules. Its derivatives can be used to improve the sensitivity of various detection methods, showcasing a duality of use in both fundamental and applied sciences.

In summary, phenylmercury is a compound that bridges the gap between historical agricultural practices and modern-day environmental regulations. As scientists continue to explore its properties, understanding and managing the risks associated with its use remains a pressing challenge.

Synonyms
Phenylmercury
phenylmercury(.)
16056-36-3
23172-37-4
Mercury,phenyl
HgPh(.)
Mercury(1+), phenyl-
CHEBI:49819
DTXSID301047987
Q27104723