Question

dimethylmercury is one of the most potent neurotoxins known. this mercury - containing compound can easily pass through the bodys blood brain barrier and deposit significant amounts of mercury in the brain. once inside, mercury accumulates and damages the neurons that compose the brain. this damage can lead to death via mercury poisoning.
dimethylmercury can be produced by a combination reaction, shown below. what pattern do these reactions follow?
hg(l) + 2c(s) + 3h₂(g) → hg(ch₃)₂(l)
ab + o₂ → aoₓ + boᵧ
ab → a + b
a + b → ab
ab + c → ac + b
ab + cd → ad + bc

Explanation:

In the reaction \(Hg_{(l)}+2C_{(s)} + 3H_{2(g)}\to Hg(CH_{3})_{2(l)}\), we have three reactants (\(Hg\), \(C\), \(H_{2}\)) combining to form a single product \(Hg(CH_{3})_{2}\).

• For the option \(AB + O_{2}\to AO_{x}+BO_{y}\), it represents a combustion - type reaction (not relevant here).
• The option \(AB\to A + B\) is a decomposition reaction (opposite of what we have).
• The option \(A + B\to AB\) is a combination reaction. Here, \(Hg\) (\(A\)), \(C\) and \(H_{2}\) (\(B\)) combine to form \(Hg(CH_{3})_{2}\) (\(AB\)).
• The option \(AB + C\to AC + B\) is a single - replacement reaction (not the case here).
• The option \(AB+CD\to AD + BC\) is a double - replacement reaction (not relevant).

Answer:

C. \(A + B\to AB\)