Mercurochrome

Description

[Becton Dickinson Microbiology Systems] A trademark for either an aqueous solution or water-soluble tablets of merbromin. Merbromin is a green crystalline compound composed of mercuric acetate dibromide fluorescein. Merbromin forms a red aqueous solution that fluoresces a bright yellow green. It was occasionally used as a substitute for eosin and as a red marking ink. Mercurochrome is commonly used as a germicide and antiseptic.

Synonyms and Related Terms

merbromin

Other Properties

Soluble in water. Slightly soluble in ethanol.

Composition	C20H8Br2HgNa2O6
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. 750.66

Hazards and Safety

Toxic by ingestion. Colors skin red.

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 6914

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• Website address 1 Comment: www.optonline.com/comptons/ceo/25078 members.pgonline.com/~bryand/dyes/hgchrome.html