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Oxymercuration-Reduction of Alkenes

Oxymercuration-Reduction of Alkenes

Oxymercuration–reduction of alkenes is one of the major reactions converting alkenes to alcohols. It involves the hydration of alkenes with mercuric acetate in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran and water, forming an organomercury adduct. This is followed by a demercuration step in which the adduct is reduced to an alcohol using sodium borohydride.

The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements

The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements

Elements are the smallest units of matter that cannot be broken down further by chemical processes. There are 118 known elements, but not all of these are naturally occurring, and only a few of them are essential for life. Living matter is composed primarily of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, with smaller amounts of other elements like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. Other elements are also necessary for life but only in trace amounts.
Periodic Table Provides Information...

The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements

The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements

Elements are the smallest units of matter that cannot be broken down further by chemical processes. There are 118 known elements, but not all of these are naturally-occurring, and fewer still are essential for life. Living matter is composed primarily of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, with smaller amounts of other elements like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. Other elements are also necessary for life but only in trace amounts.The Periodic Table Provides Information about...

Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions

Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions

Methylation is a phase II biotransformation process involving the attachment of a methyl group to a substrate. Enzymes known as methyltransferases orchestrate this reaction.
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Properties of Organometallic Compounds

Properties of Organometallic Compounds

Organometallic compounds are compounds that contain a carbon–metal bond. Carbon belongs to an organyl group like alkyl, aryl, allyl, or benzyl groups. The metal can be from Group I or Group II of the periodic table, a transition metal, or a semimetal.

Toxic Reactions: Overview

Toxic Reactions: Overview

When toxic substances penetrate the human body, they disseminate to various tissues, undergoing metabolic changes. This process yields reactive metabolites that may covalently bind with specific target molecules, resulting in toxicity.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium

Published on: December 17, 2018

Molecular mechanisms triggered by mercury.

GianPaolo Guzzi¹, Caterina A M La Porta

¹AIRMEB Italian Association for Metals and Biocompatibility Research, Italy.

|December 14, 2007

Summary

This review covers mercury toxicity, its three forms (elemental, inorganic, organic), and exposure routes. It also explores current and developing treatments and cellular defense mechanisms against mercury poisoning.

Area of Science:

Environmental toxicology
Human health impacts
Biochemistry

Background:

Mercury is a pervasive environmental toxin with diverse adverse health effects.
Exposure occurs via inhalation or ingestion, with industrial emissions and contaminated fish being major sources.
Dental amalgam also contributes to inorganic mercury and mercury vapor exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge on mercury toxicity.
To differentiate the toxicologic profiles of elemental, inorganic, and organic mercury.
To discuss existing and novel therapeutic strategies for mercury poisoning.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing scientific information.
Analysis of toxicologic profiles for different mercury forms.

More Related Videos

A Study of the Complexation of Mercury(II) with Dicysteinyl Tetrapeptides by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A Study of the Complexation of Mercury(II) with Dicysteinyl Tetrapeptides by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Published on: January 8, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium

Published on: December 17, 2018

A Study of the Complexation of Mercury(II) with Dicysteinyl Tetrapeptides by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A Study of the Complexation of Mercury(II) with Dicysteinyl Tetrapeptides by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Published on: January 8, 2016

Examination of therapeutic agents and cellular defense mechanisms.

Main Results:

Distinct toxicity profiles exist for elemental, inorganic, and organic mercury.
Various exposure pathways contribute to human mercury burden.
Cellular defense mechanisms offer potential for biological protection.

Conclusions:

Understanding mercury's distinct forms and toxicity is crucial for effective treatment.
Developing new therapeutics and leveraging cellular defenses are key to managing mercury poisoning.
Further research into biological protection mechanisms may yield novel medicinal approaches.