Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

A Study of the Complexation of MercuryII with Dicysteinyl Tetrapeptides by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: January 8, 2016
Rapid Sequestration of Mercuric Ion as HgSe by a Selenocysteine-Inspired System
Avinash Chaurasia1, Abhishek Kumar1
1Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
Abstract:
The sequestration of mercuric ion as insoluble mercury selenide (HgSe) is considered the best way to close the mercury cycle. Inspired by nature, this study presents the rational design and synthesis of a novel system incorporating -SeCH2CH2NH2 units on a 1,3,5-triazine ring. It showed mercuric ion sequestration within 10 min as HgSe under ambient conditions, while HgS formation from the sulfur analogue was not observed. The work was duly supported by various control experiments along with ICP-MS and DFT calculations. These results provide valuable insights into hitherto unknown mechanistic aspects of mercury detoxification by selenoproteins and offer a new design strategy for next-generation systems to carry out permanent mercury sequestration in aqueous environments.
Related Concept Videos
Formation of Complex Ions
Oxymercuration-Reduction of Alkenes
Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides
Precipitation and Co-precipitation
Extraction: Advanced Methods
Sulfur Assimilation

