Arylmercury compounds I. A general procedure for the preparation of diarylmercury compounds by symmetrisation reactions

Abstract

A process for the preparation of disubstituted organomercurials was studied. The reaction is summarised by the following equation: where Ar = aryl and × = different anions. Instead of ammonia and EDTA other amines and chelating agents were also used. Only those chelating agents that have virtually the same structural features as EDTA were found to have the same effect. Various amines could be used instead of ammonia. The reaction can be carried out in water or in mixtures of organic solvents and water.