Abstract
A simple, straightforward laboratory method is given for the preparation of di-2-naphthylthiocarbazone. The method requires no elaborate equipment and can be used for preparing this compound in a refined state, showing a molecular extinction coefficient of approximately 42,000 at wave length of 645 mμ. Since this compound is superior to dithizone when used for the determination of mercury in biological material (particularly urine) and since it is no longer commercially available, its preparation within the laboratory becomes a necessity. The starting compound, 2-naph-thylhydrazine hydrochloride, is readily available.