Studies of 203Hg-chlormerodrin

Summary The rapid synthesis of 203Hg-chlormerodrin by an isotopic exchange reaction in organic solvents was investigated using a mixture of inactive chlormerodrin and 203Hg-mercuric chloride. This reaction is promising as a practical method since 203Hg-CM can be so prepared in a short time. In methanol, 3-acetoxy-mercuri-2 methoxypropylurea exchanged at room temperature with 203Hg-mercuric acetate to a relatively high yield. The most suitable solvent for paper chromatography of CM was found to be a mixture of dimethylformamide, water and methanol (5 : 1 : 14 v/v). The fate and distribution of 203Hg-CM in rats were studied after a single oral dose and the maximum of activity was observed in the kidneys during the first 6 hours. A preferential binding of Hg by renal tissue was found. The biological half-life in the whole body was about 18.5 days. This compound was excreted mainly via the faeces but small amounts were excreted in the urine.