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Di-sec-butylmercury

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Identification
Molecular formula
C8H18Hg
CAS number
104-42-7
IUPAC name
disec-butylmercury
State
State

At room temperature, Di-sec-butylmercury is a liquid. Its liquid state alongside its characteristics of a high-density substance defines its use and handling.

Melting point (Celsius)
-43.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
230.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
210.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
483.15
General information
Molecular weight
290.82g/mol
Molar mass
290.8220g/mol
Density
2.9690g/cm3
Appearence

Di-sec-butylmercury is a colorless liquid. It exhibits a typical oily appearance often associated with organomercury compounds. Due to the presence of mercury, it is associated with a very high density compared to other organic liquids.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Disec-butylmercury

Disec-butylmercury, with the chemical formula C10H22Hg, presents unique solubility properties that are important for various applications.

In terms of its solubility characteristics:

  • Nonpolar Nature: Due to the presence of large hydrocarbon chains, disec-butylmercury is generally nonpolar, which influences its interaction with solvents.
  • Solvent Compatibility: It is sparingly soluble in water, which is a common characteristic for many organomercurial compounds, yet it shows better solubility in nonpolar organic solvents such as benzene, toluene, and hexane.
  • Environmental Considerations: Its limited solubility in water poses potential risks in aquatic environments, where it may accumulate in sediments rather than dissolve readily.

To summarize, while disec-butylmercury is not readily soluble in aqueous environments, it exhibits considerable solubility in organic solvents. Understanding these solubility behaviors is crucial, particularly in contexts involving environmental safety and chemical handling.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Disec-butylmercury

Disec-butylmercury is an intriguing organomercury compound that piques the interest of chemists and environmental scientists alike. Here are some noteworthy aspects of this compound:

  • Applications: Disec-butylmercury is primarily used as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, particularly in the field of organic synthesis. Its ability to facilitate reactions can greatly enhance the efficiency of chemical processes.
  • Environmental Impact: As an organomercury compound, disec-butylmercury poses significant concerns regarding toxicity. Mercury is known for its neurotoxic effects on both humans and wildlife, leading to extensive studies on its environmental presence and biological impacts.
  • Toxicological Studies: Research indicates that exposure to disec-butylmercury can lead to severe health issues, which makes understanding its behavior in biological systems crucial. Scientists are continuously exploring its mechanisms of toxicity.
  • Historical Context: The use of mercury compounds has a long history in chemistry, with disec-butylmercury being one of the many compounds studied for their unique reactivity patterns. A number of discoveries regarding organometallic chemistry have stemmed from work done with mercury compounds.

"The exploration of organomercury compounds like disec-butylmercury has opened new avenues in synthetic chemistry, but it also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between utility and safety."

In conclusion, disec-butylmercury exemplifies the dual nature of chemical compounds, where potential benefits in scientific applications must be balanced with serious health and environmental risks. Understanding this compound further will help us to navigate its challenges while maximizing its usefulness.

Synonyms
MERCURY, DI-sec-BUTYL-
Di-sec-butylmercury
Mercury, bis(1-methylpropyl)-
691-88-3
di(butan-2-yl)mercury
Di-sek.butylrtut
Di-sek.butylrtut [Czech]
NSC 51710
BRN 3903152
di-s-butylmercury
DTXSID80219158
NSC51710
WLN: 2Y1&-HG-Y2&1
NSC-51710