Chemical Properties
Yellowish to red semisolid or solid mass.
Soluble in fixed oils; insoluble in water; slightly
soluble in alcohol or ether.
Uses
Antiseptic, antifouling paints.
General Description
A yellowish to red liquid/semi-solid or solid mass. Prepared by dissolving yellow mercuric oxide in oleic acid. Contains 24-26% HgO by mass. Insoluble in water. Toxic by ingestion. Used in medicine, antiseptic and antifouling paint.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water
Reactivity Profile
MERCURY OLEATE is light sensitive. On standing the mercury is partly reduced to mercurous state or to the metal [Merck].
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
A poison. An FDA
over-the-counter drug. When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Hg.
See also MERCURY COMPOUNDS.
