Dimethylmercury

Metals -> Metals, Organic Compounds

Carcinogens

Density (at 20 °C): 3.05 g/cm³

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20 °C (air = 1): 1.5

3.17 @25 °C

92 °C

93 °C @760 [mm Hg]

62.3 [mmHg]

Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 8.8

75 [mm Hg] @29 °C

Clear liquid with a mild sweet odor; [Olson, p. 622] Flammable liquid, insoluble in water; [Sullivan, p. 979]

COLOURLESS LIQUID.

Danger

H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P319, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Danger

H300 (100%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P319, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Chemical: Mercury, dimethyl-

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

1-2 drops on a latex glove caused CNS damage (ataxia, dysarthria, auditory and visual effects) and death of a research chemist; [Olson, p. 701] 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. 1046] Symptoms of chronic methylmercury poisoning (Minamata disease) include incoordination, paralysis, and abnormal reflexes. [Sullivan, p. 980] See Mercury, alkyl compounds and linked occupational diseases.

Acute Tox. 2 (100%)

Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure) - category 2

Flammable liquids - Category 2

Flammable liquids - Category 2

Carcinogens, Flammable agents - 3rd degree

Acute Tox. 1

Fresh air, rest. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer immediately for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Refer immediately for medical attention.

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

Evacuate danger area! Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking liquid in covered containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer.

Mercury mainly affects the nervous system. Exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, and memory problems. Acrodynia, a type of mercury poisoning in children, is characterized by pain and pink discoloration of the hands and feet. Mercury poisoning can also cause Hunter-Russell syndrome and Minamata disease. (L7)

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

Oral (L7) ; inhalation (L7); dermal (L7)

High-affinity binding of the divalent mercuric ion to thiol or sulfhydryl groups of proteins is believed to be the major mechanism for the activity of mercury. Through alterations in intracellular thiol status, mercury can promote oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes in heme metabolism. Mercury is known to bind to microsomal and mitochondrial enzymes, resulting in cell injury and death. For example, mercury is known to inhibit aquaporins, halting water flow across the cell membrane. It also inhibits the protein LCK, which causes decreased T-cell signalling and immune system depression. Mercury is also believed to inhibit neuronal excitability by acting on the postsynaptic neuronal membrane. It also affects the nervous system by inhibiting protein kinase C and alkaline phosphatase, which impairs brain microvascular formation and function, as well as alters the blood-brain barrier. Organic mercury exerts developmental effects by binding to tubulin, preventing microtubule assembly and causing mitotic inhibition. Mercury also produces an autoimmune response, likely by modification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, self peptides, T-cell receptors, or cell-surface adhesion molecules. (L7, A8, A25, A26)

Cough. Incoordination. Tremor. Slurred speech. Confusion. Symptoms may be delayed.

EASILY ABSORBED! Redness. Further see Inhalation.

Redness. Pain.

Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse. Further see Inhalation.

Common symptoms include peripheral neuropathy (presenting as paresthesia or itching, burning or pain), skin discoloration (pink cheeks, fingertips and toes), edema (swelling), and desquamation (dead skin peels off in layers). (A5)

Dimethylmercury

PDF Document

2004

Organic mercury is absorbed mainly by the gastrointestinal tract, then distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. Organic mercury complexes with free cysteine and the cysteine and sulfhydryl groups on proteins such as haemoglobin. These complexes are able to mimic methionine and thus be transported throughout the body, including through the blood-brain barrier and placenta. Organic mercury is metabolized into inorganic mercury, which is eventually excreted in the urine and faeces. (T11)

Used as a chemical reagent; Along with monomethyl mercury, it is found as an environmental contaminant in birds and fish. [Merck Index]

Dimethylmercury is most often used in toxicology experiments as a fixed point of reference due to its extreme toxicity. It has also been used to calibrate NMR instruments for detection of mercury. (L261)