Phenylmercuric hydroxide

Synonyms

Hydroxyphenylmercury; Mersolite 1; Phenyl hydroxymercury; Phenylmercury hydroxide; Mercury, hydroxyphenyl-; [ChemIDplus] UN1894

Category

Metals, Organic Compounds

Description

White to cream-colored solid; [Hawley] Sparingly soluble in water; [Ullmann]

Sources/Uses

Used to make phenylmercuric salts and organic mercury derivatives; Also used as a fungicide, germicide, and to denature alcohol; [Hawley] Banned in the EU for use as pesticide for plant protection; Severely restricted for use as other pesticide including biocide; [eChemPortal: ESIS] Used to make fungicides and disinfectants; Used as a preservative in cosmetics--German laws permit a concentration of 0.007%; [Ullmann]

Comments

Causes burns; [eChemPortal: ESIS] May be fatal by inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion; May cause irritation; Targets nerves; [MSDSonline] See "Mercury, aryl compounds" and linked occupational diseases.

Biomedical References

Yes

0.1 mg/m3, as Hg

0.1 mg/m3, as Hg

10 mg/m3, as Hg

8.32E-05 mm Hg

Sensorimotor

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Yes

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides