Nitromersol

Nitromersol

IUPAC name 5-Methyl-2-nitro-7-oxa-8-mercurabicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1(6),2,4-triene
Other names Metaphen; 6-Methyl-3-nitrobenzoxamercurete; 4-Nitro-5-hydroxymercuriorthocresol
Identifiers
CAS number	133-58-4^Y
PubChem	16682935
ChemSpider	16739372
UNII	RU6242GP15
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES Cc1ccc(c2[Hg]Oc12)[N+]([O-])=O
InChI InChI=1S/C7H6NO3.Hg/c1-5-2-3-6(8(10)11)4-7(5)9;/h2-3,9H,1H3;/q;+1/p-1 Key: UEHLXXJAWYWUGI-UHFFFAOYSA-M InChI=1/C7H6NO3.Hg/c1-5-2-3-6(8(10)11)4-7(5)9;/h2-3,9H,1H3;/q;+1/p-1/rC7H5HgNO3/c1-4-2-3-5(9(10)11)6-7(4)12-8-6/h2-3H,1H3 Key: UEHLXXJAWYWUGI-ITKDQSLKAT
Properties
Molecular formula	C₇H₅HgNO₃
Molar mass	351.71 g mol⁻¹
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Nitromersol (metaphen) is a mercury-containing organic compound containing that is primarily used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It has no odor or taste and is stored as a brown-yellow granules or powder. Nitromersol does not irritate the skin or mucous membranes and has no impact on rubber or metallic instruments, including surgical and dental tools.^[1]

This compound is a confirmed animal carcinogen. It can emit toxic fumes of NO_x and mercury when destroyed by heat.^[2] In 1998, use of nitromersol (and other mercury-containing products) as OTC first-aid antiseptics and products for diaper rash and vaginal contraceptives, was outlawed by the FDA.^[3] Nitromersol can cause hypersensitivity reactions, but it is still in use as a preservative for vaccines and antitoxins.^[4]

References

^ Hospital formulary and compendium of useful information. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. 1941. p. 113. http://books.google.com/books?id=t7VW3PucgboC&pg=PA113. Retrieved 2011-04-08.
^ Lewis, Richard J. (2008). Hazardous chemicals desk reference. Wiley-Interscience. p. 1018. ISBN 0470180242. http://books.google.com/books?id=LkIWiNg4FGEC&pg=PA1018. Retrieved 2011-04-08.
^ Remington: the science and practice of pharmacy. Medicine Series. 1 (21st ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2005. p. 369. ISBN 0781746736.
^ Trevor, Anthony J.; Katzung, Bertram G.; Masters, Susan B. (2007). Katzung & Trevor's pharmacology: examination & board review. Lange Basic Science (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Professional. p. 420. ISBN 0071488693.