Ethylmercury

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Ethylmercury

Ethylmercury (pronounced: eth-uhl-mur-kuree) is an organomercury compound produced from mercury, a heavy metal, and ethane, a simple hydrocarbon. It is a type of mercury compound that is liquid at room temperature and is often used as an antiseptic or antifungal agent.

Etymology

The term "ethylmercury" is derived from the two components that make up the compound: "ethyl," a two-carbon segment derived from ethane, and "mercury," a heavy metal. The "-yl" suffix in "ethyl" is a common ending in organic chemistry, indicating a radical or a group derived from a larger molecule.

Usage

Ethylmercury is most commonly known for its use in thimerosal, a preservative used in some vaccines and other medical and cosmetic products. Thimerosal is approximately 50% ethylmercury by weight.

Safety and Toxicity

Ethylmercury is a known neurotoxin and its use in medical products has been the subject of controversy and regulation. The World Health Organization and other health bodies have stated that the low levels of ethylmercury in vaccines do not pose a health risk, but the substance has been phased out of many vaccines as a precautionary measure.

Related Terms

  • Methylmercury: Another type of organomercury compound, which is more commonly found in the environment and is a potent neurotoxin.
  • Mercury poisoning: A disease caused by exposure to mercury or its compounds, including ethylmercury.
  • Thimerosal: A mercury-containing compound used as a preservative in some vaccines and other products.

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