A simple and rapid method for preparation of 203Hg-labeled methylmercury from 203HgCl2 and methylcobalamin

A rapid and simple method for preparation of 203Hg-labeled methylmercuric chloride (CH3(203)HgCl) from 203HgCl2 and methylcobalamin is described. More than 99% of 203Hg was methylated with methylcobalaminin 0.01 N HCl during 1 h. CH3(203)HgCl formed during the reaction was rapidly and completely separated from cobalamins and unreacted 203HgCl2 by CM-Sephadex C-25 minicolumn. The low cost procedure for preparation of CH3(203)HgCl can be completed within 2 h and yields an inorganic 203Hg-free CH3(203)HgCl which is useful in methylmercury toxicology.