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Nitromersol

Names
IUPAC name 5-Methyl-2-nitro-7-oxa-8-mercurabicycloocta-1(6),2,4-triene
Other names Metaphen; 6-Methyl-3-nitrobenzoxamercurete; 4-Nitro-5-hydroxymercuriorthocresol
Identifiers
CAS Number	133-58-4
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-1Key: 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,1H3Key: UEHLXXJAWYWUGI-ITKDQSLKAT
SMILES Cc1ccc(c2Oc12)()=O
Properties
Chemical formula	C7H5HgNO3
Molar mass	351.713 g·mol
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 , 100 kPa). Infobox references

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.

This compound is a confirmed animal carcinogen. It can emit toxic fumes of NO_x and mercury vapor when heated. 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. Nitromersol can cause hypersensitivity reactions.

It is still in use as a preservative for vaccines and antitoxins.

See also

• Thiomersal – Organomercury antiseptic and antifungal agent
• Phenylmercuric nitrate - an organomercury compound with powerful antiseptic and antifungal effects

References

1. Hospital formulary and compendium of useful information. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. 1941. p. 113. Retrieved 2011-04-08.
2. Lewis, Richard J. (2008). Hazardous chemicals desk reference. Wiley-Interscience. p. 1018. ISBN 978-0-470-18024-2. Retrieved 2011-04-08.
3. Remington: the science and practice of pharmacy. Medicine Series. Vol. 1 (21st ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2005. p. 369. ISBN 0-7817-4673-6.
4. 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.

• Antiseptics
• Disinfectants
• Organomercury compounds