Mercury compounds with fungicidal properties

Organic mercury compounds are discussed in three main groups, according to the nature of the hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon radical. 

Organic mercury compounds containing an alkyl group with a low carbon atom number are classed in this group. The fungicidal effect of the derivatives decreases with increasing carbon atom number (Gassner, 1951), so that, in practice, only methyl- and ethylmercury compounds are important. 

Several methods of preparation have been developed, among them the following  

Using anhydrous tetrahydrofurane as solvent, the chloride derivatives, slightly soluble in ether, can also be prepared directly (Coates, 1960). Alkylation can also be undertaken with tetraethyl lead compounds (Whelen, 1959). 

The presence of peracetic acid facilitates this reaction (Kloes et al., 1963). 

---