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Butylmercury chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
C4H9ClHg
CAS number
693-31-4
IUPAC name
butyl(chloro)mercury
State
State

At room temperature, butylmercury chloride is typically found as a solid. It is not volatile and is handled as a crystalline or powdery substance in laboratory conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
140.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
413.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
280.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
553.15
General information
Molecular weight
313.18g/mol
Molar mass
313.1810g/mol
Density
3.4000g/cm3
Appearence

Butylmercury chloride typically appears as a white to off-white solid. It tends to form crystals or powder depending on its preparation method. The compound may appear slightly yellowish if impurities are present.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Butyl(chloro)mercury

Butyl(chloro)mercury, a compound with the formula C4H9ClHg, displays intriguing solubility characteristics in various solvents. Understanding its solubility can be essential for its applications and handling.

General Solubility Behavior

This compound is known to exhibit:

  • Moderate solubility in organic solvents: It tends to dissolve well in polar organic solvents such as alcohols and acetone.
  • Poor solubility in water: Like many organomercury compounds, butyl(chloro)mercury is quite insoluble in aqueous solutions, which limits its interactions in biological systems.

Factors Influencing Solubility

The solubility of butyl(chloro)mercury can be influenced by several factors, including:

  1. Temperature: Higher temperatures may increase solubility in organic solvents.
  2. pH Levels: Although less relevant for this compound, pH can affect the ionization of other mercury compounds.
  3. Presence of Other Solutes: The solubility may change significantly when other ions or molecules are present, particularly in complex mixtures.

In conclusion, while butyl(chloro)mercury has selectivity in solubility depending on the solvent environment, care must be taken due to its potential toxicity and the environmental implications associated with mercury compounds. As always, it is crucial to follow safety protocols when handling such materials.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Butyl(chloro)mercury

Butyl(chloro)mercury, often referred to by its more common name, is a fascinating organomercury compound that has garnered attention in both scientific research and industrial applications. This compound is known for its unique properties and its role in various chemical reactions. Here are some intriguing aspects:

  • Versatile Uses: Butyl(chloro)mercury has been utilized in a variety of fields, especially in the synthesis of other chemical compounds. Its reactivity allows it to participate in many organic transformations.
  • Biological Implications: As an organomercury compound, it poses certain *toxicity* risks, particularly in biological systems. Understanding its behavior can help scientists develop safer alternatives and mitigate environmental impacts.
  • Systematic Study: Research on butyl(chloro)mercury has contributed to our understanding of mercury's chemistry. Studies on this compound help illustrate the intricate bonding and behavior of mercury in various environments.
  • Historical Context: Mercury compounds have a storied history in medicine and industry. The study of compounds like butyl(chloro)mercury reflects the evolution of our comprehension of chemical safety and regulation.

The significance of butyl(chloro)mercury extends beyond its chemical properties. As one researcher noted, “The reactions of organomercury compounds often lead to surprising results, opening doors to new pathways in organic synthesis.”

Through ongoing studies and discussions, butyl(chloro)mercury continues to be a topic of interest among chemists, highlighting the importance of *safety*, *responsibility*, and *innovation* in chemical research.

Synonyms
n-Butylmercuric chloride
Butylchloromercury
Butylmercuric chloride
n-Butyl mercury chloride
Butylmercury chloride
MERCURY, BUTYLCHLORO-
Butylmerkurichlorid
Butylmerkurichlorid [Czech]
NSC 146254
UNII-7W2VQU83E9
7W2VQU83E9
DTXSID30202656
NSC-146254
DTXCID60125147
n-butylmercuric chloride [mi]
n-butylmercury chloride
543-63-5
n-C4H9HgCl
WLN: G-HG-4
SCHEMBL11424147
NSC146254
Q27268933