Аннотация:The mechanism of the pyrolysis of RHgCCl3 compounds (R = Cl, C6H5, CCl3) was studied by vacuum pyrolysis combined with mass spectrometry. To monitor the characteristic products, the ionic abundances and the appearance potentiais were measured for significant ions at various temperatures of the pyrolyser. The temperature dependence (25-800oC) of the ionic abundances for all pyrolysis products has clarified the primary reaction pattern with the formation of both dichlorocarbene and trichloromethyl radicals. The main secondary reaction for :CCl2, dimerization in C2Cl4, plays an increasing role with increase in temperature. The origin of the reactive . CCl3 and :CCl2 intermediates was proved by comparing measured appearance potentials with known ionization potentials.