[6] In 1932, the Japanese chemical company Chisso Corporation began using mercury sulfate as the catalyst for the production of acetaldehyde from acetylene and water.

If Denigés' reagent is added to a solution containing compounds that have tertiary alcohols, a yellow or red precipitate will form.

[11] At one time, this chemistry was employed commercially for the preparation of acetaldehyde from acetylene:[12] A related and specialized example is the conversion of 2,5-dimethylhexyne-2,5-diol to 2,2,5,5-tetramethyltetrahydrofuran using aqueous mercury sulfate without the addition of acid.

[13] Inhalation of HgSO4 can result in acute poisoning: causing tightness in the chest, difficulties breathing, coughing and pain.

Lastly, ingestion of mercury sulfate will cause necrosis, pain, vomiting, and severe purging.