Mercuric potassium iodide is a chemical compound of mercury, potassium, and iodide. Mercury is a heavy, silvery d-block metal and one of six elements that are liquid at or near room temperature and pressure. It is a naturally occuring substance, and combines with other elements such as chlorine, sulfur, or oxygen to form inorganic mercury compounds (salts). Mercury also combines with carbon to make organic mercury compounds. (7)
Structure for CHEM000309: Mercuric potassium iodide
Synonyms
Value
Source
Channing's solution
ChEBI
Dipotassium tetraiodomercurate(2-)
ChEBI
K2[HgI4]
ChEBI
Kaliumtetraiodomercurat(II)
ChEBI
Mercury potassium iodide
ChEBI
Mercury(II) potassium iodide
ChEBI
Nessler's reagent
ChEBI
Nesslers reagenz
ChEBI
Potassium iodomercurate
ChEBI
Potassium mercuric iodide
ChEBI
Potassium tetraiodomercurate
ChEBI
Potassium tetraiodomercurate(II)
ChEBI
Reactivo de nessler
ChEBI
Dipotassium tetraiodomercuric acid(2-)
Generator
Potassium iodomercuric acid
Generator
Potassium tetraiodomercuric acid
Generator
Potassium tetraiodomercuric acid(II)
Generator
Dipotassium tetraiodomercate(2-)
Generator
Dipotassium tetraiodomercic acid(2-)
Generator
Potassium iodomercate
Generator
Potassium iodomercic acid
Generator
Potassium tetraiodomercate
Generator
Potassium tetraiodomercic acid
Generator
Potassium tetraiodomercate(II)
Generator
Potassium tetraiodomercic acid(II)
Generator
Chemical Formula
HgI4K2
Average Molecular Mass
786.400 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass
787.516 g/mol
CAS Registry Number
7783-33-7
IUPAC Name
dipotassium tetraiodomercurydiuide
Traditional Name
dipotassium tetraiodomercurate(II)
SMILES
[K+].[K+].I[Hg--](I)(I)I
InChI Identifier
InChI=1S/Hg.4HI.2K/h;4*1H;;/q+2;;;;;2*+1/p-4
InChI Key
OPCMAZHMYZRPID-UHFFFAOYSA-J
Chemical Taxonomy
Description
belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as transition metal iodides. These are inorganic compounds in which the largest halogen atom is Iodine, and the heaviest metal atom is a transition metal.
High-affinity binding of the divalent mercuric ion to thiol or sulfhydryl groups of proteins is believed to be the major mechanism for the activity of mercury. Through alterations in intracellular thiol status, mercury can promote oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes in heme metabolism. Mercury is known to bind to microsomal and mitochondrial enzymes, resulting in cell injury and death. For example, mercury is known to inhibit aquaporins, halting water flow across the cell membrane. It also inhibits the protein LCK, which causes decreased T-cell signalling and immune system depression. Mercury is also believed to inhibit neuronal excitability by acting on the postsynaptic neuronal membrane. It also affects the nervous system by inhibiting protein kinase C and alkaline phosphatase, which impairs brain microvascular formation and function, as well as alters the blood-brain barrier. Mercury also produces an autoimmune response, likely by modification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, self peptides, T-cell receptors, or cell-surface adhesion molecules. (8, 4, 5, 6)
Metabolism
Mercury is absorbed mainly via ingestion and inhalation, then distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, where a portion binds to sulfhydryl groups on haemoglobin. Mercury can undergo oxidation to mercuric mercury, which takes place via the catalase-hydrogen peroxide pathway. The mercury atom is able to diffuse down the cleft in the catalase enzyme to reach the active site where the heme ring is located. Oxidation most likely occurs in all tissue, as the catalase hydrogen peroxide pathway is ubiquitous. Following oxidation, mercury tends to accumulate in the kidneys. Mercury is excreted mainly by exhalation and in the faeces. (2, 8)
Toxicity Values
Not Available
Lethal Dose
1 gram for an adult human (average for inorganic mercurials). (14)
Mercury mainly affects the nervous system. Exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, and memory problems. Acrodynia, a type of mercury poisoning in children, is characterized by pain and pink discoloration of the hands and feet. Mercury poisoning can also cause Hunter-Russell syndrome and Minamata disease. (8)
Symptoms
Common symptoms include peripheral neuropathy (presenting as paresthesia or itching, burning or pain), skin discoloration (pink cheeks, fingertips and toes), edema (swelling), and desquamation (dead skin peels off in layers). (1)
Treatment
Mercury poisoning is treated by immediate decontamination and chelation therapy using DMSA, DMPS, DPCN, or dimercaprol. (3)
