MERCURY WAS USED TO PRODUCE ACETALDEHYDE

  Sulphuric mercury was used at Chisso, Minamata, as a catalyst in producing acetaldehyde, the material for synthetic acetic acid. In this process, the inorganic sulphuric mercury became organic; that is, methyl mercury was produced. Mercury is well-known for its high toxicity, but when it is methylated, its ability to combine with protein is enhanced and thus its toxicity is highly increased. Methyl mercury smells like a rotten egg as it evaporates directly from its crystals.