Kinetics of the reaction of HgCl2 with alkenes in an aqueous solution

The rate law of the reaction of HgCl2 with alkenes in aqueous solutions was derived that adequately describes experimental observations. The reaction rate is proportional to reactant concentrations. The reaction partial orders are equal to unity. The reaction is inhibited by hydrogen chloride, which is the product. The kinetics of the reaction was studied in the presence of an additive containing a common anion with the reactant. The concentration of the additive was higher than the concentration of HCl formed during the reaction. The reciprocal specific reaction rate linearly depended on the additive concentration. Reaction schemes are discussed that agree with the kinetic data.