When R-3-methylpent-1-ene is treated with aqueous mercury (II) acetate, then sodium borohydride, NaBH4, the major product(s) is/are:. A) a single chiral compound
B) a single optically active compound
C) a pair of enantiomers
D) a pair of diastereomers

D) a pair of diastereomers

Explanation:

The reaction is commonly referred to as the oxomercuration of alkenes. It involves the reaction of an alkene with mercury (II) acetate, then sodium borohydride, NaBH4. The product is an alkanol.

The mechanism of this reaction is shown in the image attached. We can see that the product contains two chiral centers. The reaction yields a pair of diastereomers.

tracks, burrows, eggshells, nests, tooth marks, or gastroliths

we can conclude that the melting point of table salt is above room temperature (it's actually 801 deg c). the melting point of mercury must be below room temperature (- 39 deg c).