Interference by Disodium Edetate with the Reaction of Phenylmercury Ions with Dithiocarbamate Derivatising Agents

Abstract The reaction of phenylmercuric nitrate with diethylamine-dithiocarbamate in the presence of disodium edetate has been investigated. Under these conditions the derivatisation reaction does not proceed cleanly but a portion of the phenylmercuric ion is converted to diphenylmercury with an equimolar amount of derivatised mercuric ion being produced. This reaction is independent of the disodium edetate concentration beyond a 1:1 mole ratio of phenylmercuric ion to edetate ion.