The results of the investigation of shock compressibility of lead, tin
, zinc, cadmium, and bismuth in the pressure range up to similar to 20
0 GPa are presented. Initially, all the metals were in the state of me
lt. For bismuth, we have also obtained the shock adiabat corresponding
to the initial temperature T-0 = -185 degrees C. Estimates are given
of the Gruneisen coefficient and the pressure range in which melting o
ccurs on the adiabat for the initial temperature T similar or equal to
20 degrees C.