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Acetic acid,p-tolylmercury

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Identification
Molecular formula
C9H10HgO2
CAS number
5628-90-4
IUPAC name
acetic acid;p-tolylmercury
State
State

This compound is typically a solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
331.10
Melting point (Kelvin)
604.30
Boiling point (Celsius)
-123.70
Boiling point (Kelvin)
149.50
General information
Molecular weight
412.82g/mol
Molar mass
412.8240g/mol
Density
2.1804g/cm3
Appearence

Acetic acid, p-tolylmercury is typically a white to off-white powder.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Acetic Acid (CH3COOH)

Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is a well-known organic compound that exhibits significant solubility in various solvents. Here are some important aspects of its solubility:

  • Highly Soluble in Water: Acetic acid is completely miscible in water due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds. This makes it a valuable solvent in many chemical reactions.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: Acetic acid is also soluble in a variety of organic solvents, including ethanol, ether, and benzene, enhancing its versatility in organic chemistry.
  • Temperature Dependencies: The solubility of acetic acid can vary with temperature; increased temperatures typically lead to decreased solubility in certain organic solvents.

In summary, acetic acid's solubility properties make it a central reagent in the synthesis of many chemical compounds.

Solubility of p-Tolylmercury (C7H7Hg)

p-Tolylmercury is an organomercury compound that exhibits distinct solubility characteristics compared to acetic acid:

  • Limited Water Solubility: p-Tolylmercury is poorly soluble in water, which limits its applications in aqueous environments.
  • Soluble in Organic Solvents: It dissolves more readily in organic solvents such as chloroform and diethyl ether, making it more useful in organic synthesis and extraction processes.
  • Environmental Considerations: Its low water solubility also raises concerns regarding its environmental impact and bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems.

Overall, while p-tolylmercury presents challenges in solubility, its reactivity in organic phases offers unique opportunities in synthetic chemistry.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About p-Tolylmercury

p-Tolylmercury is an organomercury compound that presents a fascinating intersection of organic chemistry and industrial applications. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Mercury Presence: As an organomercury compound, p-tolylmercury features mercury connected to a carbon chain. This attribute contributes to its unique reactivity profile.
  • Industrial Applications: p-Tolylmercury has been utilized primarily as a catalyst in various chemical reactions and processes, reflecting its importance in industrial chemistry.
  • Biological Significance: The presence of mercury in its structure raises concerns regarding its toxicity. Understanding its biological interactions is crucial for evaluating its safety and environmental impact.
  • Synthesis: The synthetic routes for producing p-tolylmercury involve reactions that connect the aromatic p-tolyl group with mercury, showcasing the versatility in organometallic chemistry.
  • Regulatory Attention: Due to the toxicity of mercury, p-tolylmercury is subject to strict regulations in many countries. Its use is carefully monitored to protect both human health and the environment.

Overall, p-tolylmercury is an important compound that exemplifies the dual nature of chemistry—where beneficial applications must be carefully balanced with safety considerations. As the renowned chemist Linus Pauling once said, “Chemistry is the science of matter, and matter is anything that has mass.” This compound certainly embodies that perspective!