| 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]. |
| Hazard | Highly toxic. |
| 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. |
