Nitromersol

Organomercury antiseptic and antifungal agent

Nitromersol
Names

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
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	16739372
ECHA InfoCard	100.004.648
PubChem CID	16682935
UNII	RU6242GP15
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID9057638
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
SMILES Cc1ccc(c2[Hg]Oc12)[N+]([O-])=O
Properties
Chemical formula	C₇H₅HgNO₃
Molar mass	351.713 g·mol⁻¹
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Main hazards	moderately toxic
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Chemical compound

Nitromersol (metaphen) is a mercury-containing organic compound that is primarily used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is a brown-yellow solid that has no odor or taste, 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 vapor when heated.^[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 disallowed by the FDA.^[3] Nitromersol can cause hypersensitivity reactions.^[4]

It is still in use as a preservative for vaccines and antitoxins.^{[examples needed]}

References

^ Hospital formulary and compendium of useful information. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. 1941. p. 113. Retrieved 2011-04-08.
^ Lewis, Richard J. (2008). Hazardous chemicals desk reference. Wiley-Interscience. p. 1018. ISBN 978-0-470-18024-2. Retrieved 2011-04-08.
^ Remington: the science and practice of pharmacy. Medicine Series. Vol. 1 (21st ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2005. p. 369. ISBN 0-7817-4673-6.
^ 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 978-0-07-148869-3.