METHYLATION OF TIN AND LEAD IN THE ENVIRONMENT - OXIDATIVE METHYL TRANSFER AS A MODEL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REACTIONS

Sn(II) and Pb(II) compounds were converted to methyltin and methyllead derivatives under conditions that modeled the natural environment, and the feasibility of environmental methylation for these elements and their compounds was demonstrated. Methylating agents that transferred methyl groups by oxidative addition and that occurred environmentally were used (CH3I, (CH3)3S+I- and (CH3)3N+CH2COO-). The reactions occurred at ambient temperatures in aqueous media. Observations of methyltin products in natural waters (oceans, estuaries, rivers, and harbors) was explicable in terms of the proposed oxidative mechanism.