Mercury(II) acetate, also known as mercuric acetate is a chemical compound, the mercury(II) salt of acetic acid, with the formula Hg(O₂CCH₃)₂. Commonly abbreviated Hg(OAc)₂, this compound is employed as a reagent to generate organomercury compounds from unsaturated organic precursors. It is a white, water-soluble solid, but some samples can appear yellowish with time owing to decomposition.Mercury(II) acetate is a crystalline solid consisting of isolated Hg(OAc)₂ molecules with Hg-O distances of 2.07 Å. Three long, weak intermolecular Hg···O bonds of about 2.75 Å are also present, resulting in a slightly distorted square pyramidal coordination geometry at Hg.Mercuric acetate is a highly toxic compound, due to it being water-soluble and having mercury ions. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include peripheral neuropathy, skin discoloration and desquamation (peeling and/or shedding of the skin). Chronic exposure may cause reduced intelligence and kidney failure.