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Chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury

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Identification
Molecular formula
C2H2Cl2Hg
CAS number
627-11-2
IUPAC name
chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury
State
State

The compound exists in a liquid state at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
-38.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
235.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
130.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
403.15
General information
Molecular weight
313.15g/mol
Molar mass
313.1490g/mol
Density
2.3110g/cm3
Appearence

Chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury appears as a colorless to yellow liquid. The liquid is dense and is typically handled with care due to its toxic nature.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury

The solubility of chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury (C2H2Cl3Hg) can be quite complex due to its unique chemical structure. Here are a few key points to consider:

  • Solvent Interactions: The compound tends to be more soluble in organic solvents, particularly polar solvents such as acetone and ethanol, than in water. This behavior highlights the influence of molecular structure on solubility.
  • Water Solubility: Chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury exhibits low solubility in water due to its hydrophobic characteristics, which limits its interaction with water molecules.
  • Environmental Implications: Because of its low water solubility, it poses environmental risks as it can persist in sediment and accumulate in biological systems.

As noted in chemical literature, the solubility of metallic compounds, especially those containing heavy metals like mercury, is often crucial for understanding their potential toxicity and bioavailability. For chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury, the specific conditions such as temperature, pH, and the presence of other ions can significantly influence its solubility behavior.

In summary, while chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury shows limited solubility in aqueous environments, it demonstrates higher solubility in organic phases, which is essential for its applications and also brings attention to safety and environmental considerations.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury

Chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury, also known as Chlormerodrin, is a fascinating organomercury compound that has garnered scientific interest due to its unique properties and applications. Here are some noteworthy points about this compound:

  • Historical Context: Chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury has been studied since the mid-20th century and is known for its role in the field of parasitology.
  • Pharmaceutical Applications: This compound was initially used for its anthelmintic properties, making it effective against parasitic infections in both animals and humans.
  • Mechanism of Action: Chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury disrupts cellular function in parasites, leading to their death. Its efficacy is due to the mercury atom, which interacts with biological molecules.
  • Environmental Concerns: As an organomercury compound, it raises concerns regarding toxicity. Mercury is known for its bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems, making proper disposal and handling crucial.
  • Research Applications: The compound is also of interest in chemical research, particularly in studying metal-ligand interactions and the effects of mercury on biological systems.

As the scientific community continues to evaluate its implications, both positive and negative, chloro(2-chlorovinyl)mercury serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between beneficial applications and environmental stewardship in chemistry.

Synonyms
chloro(2-chloroethenyl)mercury
chlorovinylmercury chloride