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Chemistry

Mechanisms of Mercury Ion Uptake by Thiol-Functionalized Adsorbents

Quick fact

Thiol functional groups (-SH) can form extremely stable complexes with mercury (Hg2+)—so stable that the Hg-S bond strength rivals that of many covalent bonds, making these adsorbents highly effective even at very low mercury concentrations.

Why this is interesting

Mercury is extremely toxic, yet some materials can capture it almost effortlessly—simply because they carry sulfur-containing 'grabbing hands' called thiol groups. But what makes these grasping hands so good at holding onto mercury?