The electrochemical oxidation of mercury(II)–olefin complexes

Abstract

The anodic oxidation of eleven mercury(II)–olefin complexes in aqueous perchloric acid is reported. In each case the products are a mixture of carboxylic acids and mercuric ion. Since the mercuric ion can be recomplexed by the addition of further olefin, its role may be considered to be that of a catalyst in a high current density oxidation of the olefins in aqueous solution.