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Diisopropylmercury

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H14Hg
CAS number
622-06-4
IUPAC name
diisopropylmercury
State
State

At room temperature, diisopropylmercury is in a liquid state. It is an organometallic compound that maintains its liquid form under standard conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
-63.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
210.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
212.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
485.15
General information
Molecular weight
274.82g/mol
Molar mass
274.8180g/mol
Density
3.2300g/cm3
Appearence

Diisopropylmercury is a colorless, oily liquid with a slight, but distinctive chemical odor. It is visibly clear and lacks any coloration, which is typical of many organomercury compounds in liquid form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Diisopropylmercury

Diisopropylmercury, with the chemical formula C6H14Hg, presents unique characteristics when it comes to its solubility profile. The solubility of this compound can be summarized as follows:

  • Solvent Characteristics: Diisopropylmercury is known to be soluble in organic solvents such as ether, chloroform, and benzene. This is primarily due to its non-polar characteristics which favor interaction with similarly non-polar solvents.
  • Limited Aqueous Solubility: In contrast, diisopropylmercury has a very low solubility in water. This is attributed to the presence of the mercury atom, which introduces significant polar characteristics, yet the bulky isopropyl groups hinder the formation of favorable interactions with water molecules.
  • Influence of Temperature: As with many chemical compounds, the solubility of diisopropylmercury can also be influenced by temperature. Higher temperatures generally increase solubility in organic solvents.

In summary, diisopropylmercury exhibits soluble behavior in various organic solvents, making it valuable in a range of chemical applications. However, its poor solubility in water emphasizes the need for careful handling and consideration in aqueous environments.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Diisopropylmercury

Diisopropylmercury is a fascinating and complex organomercury compound that has been the focus of various scientific studies due to its unique properties and applications. Here are some key points that highlight its significance:

  • Historical Context: Diisopropylmercury gained attention in the mid-20th century when it was used as a **fungicide** and as an agent in **chemical synthesis**.
  • Environmental Concerns: Due to its mercury content, this compound poses significant environmental risks. Mercury is known for its toxicity and ability to bioaccumulate in ecosystems, highlighting the importance of proper handling and disposal.
  • Structure:** The presence of two isopropyl groups attached to the mercury atom results in a unique steric environment, influencing the compound's reactivity and interaction with biological systems.
  • Research Applications: Diisopropylmercury is often studied in the context of organometallic chemistry. Researchers investigate its potential as a precursor for synthesizing various organic and inorganic compounds.

In terms of its chemical behavior, diisopropylmercury exhibits properties typical of organomercury compounds, including *nucleophilic substitution reactions* and *complex formation* with ligands, making it an intriguing subject for chemists.

Furthermore, regulatory efforts around mercury compounds have led to a decrease in their use, prompting research into *safer alternatives* while maintaining efficacy in applications such as agricultural chemistry.

As one delves into the study of diisopropylmercury, it becomes clear that this compound, while dangerous, provides valuable insights into the intricacies of both *mercury chemistry* and *environmental science*.

Synonyms
Diisopropyl mercury
MERCURY, DIISOPROPYL-
Diisopropylmercury
di(propan-2-yl)mercury
1071-39-2
BRN 3903048
(iso-C3H7)2Hg
DTXSID50147914
DB-040736