Mercury(II) acetate is the chemical compound with the formula Hg(O2CCH3)2. Commonly abbreviated Hg(OAc)2, this compound is employed as a reagent to generate organomercury compounds from unsaturated organic precursors.
Mercuric Acetate TS —Dissolve 6.0 g of mercuric acetate in glacial acetic acid to make 100 mL. Store in tight containers, protected from direct sunlight. Mercuric–Ammonium Thiocyanate TS —Dissolve 30 g of ammonium thiocyanate and 27 g of mercuric chloride in water to make 1000 mL.
Mercuric acetate is used chiefly for mercuration of organic compounds; for the absorption ofethylene; as a chemical intermediate for phenylmercuric acetate; a mildewcide; and other organomercury compounds. It is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis; and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
The process begins when mercuric acetate, Hg(OAc)2, dissociates to form a mercuric cation: ... When a π bond attacks mercuric cation electrons interact with the nearby positive charge to form a bridge. This intermediate is called mercurinium ion.
