Mercury Derivatives

[William Tivol]

Chris Hosfield (chris at crystal) wrote:
: 	Just wondering if anyone knows which mercury-derivatizing 
: reagents are the least reactive for making heavy atom derivatives in an 
: extremely sensitive protein.

Dear Chris,
	If the protein contains free SH, Hg(2+) or CH3Hg(+) will work.
Whether these are "least reactive" depends on what other reactions are
possible for that protein.  If it is a Zn-containing protein, Hg can
substitute for the Zn with minimal distortion of the structure (probably).
Good luck.
				Yours,
				Bill Tivol