| Agent Name |
Dimethylmercury |
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| CAS Number |
593-74-8 |
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| Formula |
C2-H6-Hg |
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| Major Category |
Metals |
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| Synonyms |
Methylmercury; [ChemIDplus] Mercury dimethyl; [Olson, p. 575] Dimethyl mercury; [ICSC] |
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| Category |
Metals, Organic Compounds |
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| Description |
Clear liquid with a mild sweet odor; [Olson, p. 575] Flammable liquid, insoluble in water; [Sullivan, p. 979] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used as a chemical reagent; Along with monomethyl mercury, it is found as an environmental contaminant in birds and fish. [Merck Index] |
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| 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. 575] 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. 704] Symptoms of chronic methylmercury poisoning (Minamata disease) include incoordination, paralysis, and abnormal reflexes. [Sullivan, p. 980] See "Mercury, alkyl compounds." See "ORGANOMETALS." |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
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| Bioaccumulates |
Yes |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
0.01 mg/m3 |
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| STEL (ACGIH) |
0.03 mg/m3 |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
0.01 mg/m3, Ceiling (OSHA) = 0.04 mg/m3 |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) |
2 mg/m3 |
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| Vapor Pressure |
62.3 mm Hg |
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| Explanatory Notes |
For exposure limits, see "Mercury, alkyl compounds." |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Neurotoxin |
Other CNS Neurotoxin |
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| Reproductive Toxin |
Yes |
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| IARC Carcinogen |
Possible Carcinogen |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: METHYLMERCURY
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