Diphenylmercury is the

organomercury compound Organomercury refers to the group of organometallic compounds that contain mercury. Typically the Hg–C bond is stable toward air and moisture but sensitive to light. Important organomercury compounds are the methylmercury(II) cation, CH3Hg+; et ...

with the formula Hg(C₆H₅)₂. It is a white solid. The compound is of historic interest as a particularly stable

organometallic compound Organometallic chemistry is the study of organometallic compounds, chemical compounds containing at least one chemical bond between a carbon atom of an organic molecule and a metal, including alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metals, and s ...

but it finds few uses because of its high toxicity.

Preparation

Commercially available, this compound can be prepared by several routes. It results from treating

phenylmercury acetate Phenylmercuric acetate is an organomercury compound used as a preservative, disinfectant, and antitranspirant. Properties Phenylmercuric acetate forms colorless, lustrous crystals, and is soluble in ethanol, benzene, acetic acid, and sparingly ...

with sodium stannite, by the reaction of mercuric halides with

phenylmagnesium bromide Phenylmagnesium bromide, with the simplified formula , is a magnesium-containing organometallic compound. It is commercially available as a solution in diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran (THF). Phenylmagnesium bromide is a Grignard reagent. It is o ...

, and the reaction of

bromobenzene Bromobenzene is an aryl halide, C6H5Br. It is a colourless liquid although older samples can appear yellow. It is a reagent in organic synthesis. Synthesis and reactions Bromobenzene is prepared by the action of bromine on benzene in the presen ...

with

sodium amalgam Sodium amalgam, commonly denoted Na(Hg), is an alloy of mercury and sodium. The term amalgam is used for alloys, intermetallic compounds, and solutions (both solid solutions and liquid solutions) involving mercury as a major component. Sodium am ...

Safety

Diphenylmercury is highly toxic.

References

{{Mercury compounds Organomercury compounds Phenyl compounds