Chemical Properties
White powder, yellow or pink tinge;
odorless; tasteless. A compound of mercury and salicylic acid of somewhat varying composition, mercury replacing both phenolic and carboxylic hydrogen; contains more than 54% but less than 59.5%
mercury. Soluble in solu
Uses
Medicine (topical antiseptic).
General Description
Odorless tasteless white powder with a yellow or pink tint. Almost completely insoluble in water and denser than water. Hence sinks in water. Toxic by inhalation and by ingestion.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
MERCURIC SALICYLATE is incompatible with acetylene, ammonia, chlorine dioxide, azides, calcium (because of amalgam formation), sodium carbide, lithium, rubidium, copper . Incompatible with alkali-metal iodides (LiI, NaI, KI, RbI, CsI). Soluble in warm solutions of alkali-metal chlorides and bromides and alkali-metal hydroxides [Merck].
Hazard
Highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and
skin absorption.
Health Hazard
Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. 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. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways.
Safety Profile
Poison by
subcutaneous and intramuscular routes. An
FDA over-the-counter drug. Incompatible
with alkali iodides. When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Hg.
See also MERCURY COMPOUNDS.
