An improved selective determination of mercury(II) by complexometric titration

A simple and accurate method has been developed for selective determination of mercury in alkaline solution. It involves the addition of an excess of EDTA to the mercury solution, titration of unreacted EDTA with a standard zinc solution, and then addition of N-allylthiourea solution at pH ? 9. By heating, the mercury-EDTA chelate is decomposed selectively, mercury sulfide is precipitated, and the EDTA freed is again titrated with standard zinc solution. Eriochrome Black T is used as indicator. Interference of some cations is discussed.