A proton NMR study of the glycine-mercury(II) system in aqueous solution

The proton NMR spectrum of glycine was monitored in D2O solution as a function of added Hg(II) concentration and pD. Reliable values were established for formation constants for the Hg(II):glycine 1:1 and 1:2 complexes and also for the mixed glycine/deuteroxy and glycine/chloride complexes. Ligand exchange kinetics are relatively slow, and it is possible to observe coupling to 199Hg through the coordinating nitrogen. The formation constants were used to calculate speciation over a range of ligand concentrations for the Hg(II)/glycine and Hg(II)/glycine/chloride systems.