phenylmercuric acetate

Phenylmercuric acetate is an organomercury compound with the chemical formula C8H8HgO2. It has historically been used as a fungicide, herbicide, slimicide, preservative (notably in eyedrops and paints), disinfectant, and antitranspirant. Its mechanism of action is based on its ability to disrupt cellular processes in fungi and bacteria through interaction with thiol groups in proteins and enzymes. Due to significant toxicity—including nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity—and environmental concerns related to mercury compounds, its use has been largely discontinued or severely restricted for most applications[1][2][3][4][5]. Phenylmercuric acetate was also used as a catalyst in industrial processes such as polyurethane floor manufacturing[5].

Other names

acetoxyphenylmercurymercury (acetato-.kappa.O)phenylphenylmercury acetate