Chemical Properties
White crystals.Sensitive to
light. Soluble in solutions of sodium chloride and
ammonium benzoate; slightly soluble in alcohol
and water.
Uses
Medicine (antisyphilitic).
General Description
A white crystalline odorless solid. Melting point 165°C. Sensitive to light. Highly toxic by inhalation and ingestion.
Air & Water Reactions
Slightly soluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
MERCURIC BENZOATE is soluble in solutions of sodium chloride and ammonium benzoate [Hawley]. Reacts as a weak base.
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin
absorption; strong irritant.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.
Safety Profile
A poison. When heated
to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of
Hg. See also MERCURY COMPOUNDS.
