Phenylmercuric hydroxide

Agent Name
Phenylmercuric hydroxide
CAS Number
100-57-2
Formula
C6-H6-Hg-O
Major Category
Metals
Phenylmercuric hydroxide formula graphical representation
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

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
0.1 mg/m3, as Hg
PEL (OSHA)
0.1 mg/m3, as Hg
IDLH (NIOSH)
10 mg/m3, as Hg
Vapor Pressure
8.32E-05 mm Hg

Adverse Effects

Neurotoxin
Sensorimotor
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Nephrotoxin
Yes
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: