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

Risks

• Toxic by ingestion and inhalation.
• Contains mercury.
• Colors skin red.
• Fisher Scientific: MSDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

Soluble in water. Slightly soluble in ethanol.

Composition	C20H8Br2HgNa2O6
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. 750.66

Resources and Citations

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