Dimethylmercury

Synonyms

Methylmercury; [ChemIDplus] Mercury dimethyl; [Olson, p. 622] Dimethyl mercury; [ICSC]

Category

Metals, Organic Compounds

Description

Clear liquid with a mild sweet odor; [Olson, p. 622] Flammable liquid, insoluble in water; [Sullivan, p. 979]

Sources/Uses

Used as a chemical reagent; Along with monomethyl mercury, it is found as an environmental contaminant in birds and fish. [Merck Index]

Comments

1-2 drops on a latex glove caused CNS damage (ataxia, dysarthria, auditory and visual effects) and death of a research chemist; [Olson, p. 701] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause severe effects on the CNS; A reproductive toxin; [ICSC] The methyl mercury ion (CH3Hg+) is conjugated with thiol-containing molecules in the body and is not found free and unbound. [Nordberg, p. 1046] Symptoms of chronic methylmercury poisoning (Minamata disease) include incoordination, paralysis, and abnormal reflexes. [Sullivan, p. 980] See "Mercury, alkyl compounds" and linked occupational diseases.

Biomedical References

Yes

Yes

0.01 mg/m3, as Hg

0.03 mg/m3, as Hg

0.01 mg/m3, Ceiling(OSHA) = 0.04 mg/m3, as Hg

2 mg/m3, as Hg

62.3 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

VP from ChemIDplus;

Other CNS neurotoxin

Yes

Yes

Possible (2b)

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, acute toxic