Styrene (1.53 g, 0.011 mol) in methanol (30 mL) was added to a mixture of Hg(OAc)2 (5.30 g, 0.016 mol) in methanol (100 mL) at room temp. and stirred for 24 h. Sodium hydroxide (3.0 M, 16 mL) was added, followed by NaBH4 (0.32 g, 0.008 mol) in NaOH (3.0 M, 16 mL) at 0 °C. The precipitated Hg was removed by filtration. The product was isolated by diethyl ether extraction. After drying over Na2SO4, solvent was removed and distillation gave the product. (Adapted from: Senda, Y.; Kanto, H.; Itoh, H. J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 2 1997, 1143-1146.)

What is the difference between covalent bonds and ionic bonds? covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms; ionic bonds involve the electrical attraction between charged atoms. covalent bonds involve the transfer of electrons between charged atoms; ionic bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms. covalent bonds involve the sharing of pairs of electrons between atoms; ionic bonds involve the sharing of single electrons between atoms. covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms; ionic bonds involve the sharing of protons between charged atoms.