Thermodynamics limits the reactivity of BrHg[Formula presented] radical with volatile organic compounds

Mercury emissions to the atmosphere primarily consist of Hg(0), which tends not to enter ecosystems until it is oxidized. Atomic bromine initiates oxidation of Hg(0) via the BrHg[Formula presented] intermediate, but the further reactions of BrHg[Formula presented] are just beginning to be explored. Here we use quantum chemistry to determine that hydrogen abstraction from hydrocarbons by BrHg[Formula presented] is so endothermic as to be irrelevant. Bonds between BrHg[Formula presented] and carbon atoms are so weak that BrHg[Formula presented] addition to carbon-carbon double bonds atoms will be somewhat ineffective in leading to further reactions.