Diphenylmercury

Synonym(s):Mercury(II)diphenyl

CAS NO.：587-85-9
Empirical Formula: C12H10Hg
Molecular Weight: 354.8
MDL number: MFCD00002998
EINECS: 209-606-1
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2023-04-23 13:52:06

What is Diphenylmercury?

Chemical properties

White to beige powder

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. Incompatible with nonmetal oxides. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Hg. See also MERCURY COMPOUNDS.

Purification Methods

Sublime it, then crystallise it from nitromethane or ethanol. If phenylmercuric halides are present, they can be converted to phenylmercuric hydroxide which, being much more soluble, remain in the alcohol or *benzene used for crystallisation. Thus, crude material (10g) is dissolved in warm ethanol (ca 150mL) and shaken with moist Ag2O (ca 10g) for 30minutes, then heated under reflux for 30minutes and filtered hot. Concentrating the filtrate by evaporation gives diphenylmercury, which is then recrystallised from *benzene [Blair et al. J Chem Soc 3174 1959]. [Beilstein 16 IV 1702.] TOXIC.

Properties of Diphenylmercury

Melting point:	121-124 °C (lit.)
Boiling point:	>306°C
Density	2.32 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Flash point:	>306°C
storage temp.	Poison room
Water Solubility	Insoluble in water.
BRN	637234
Exposure limits	ACGIH: TWA 0.1 mg/m3 (Skin) NIOSH: IDLH 10 mg/m3; TWA 0.05 mg/m3; Ceiling 0.1 mg/m3
CAS DataBase Reference	587-85-9(CAS DataBase Reference)
EPA Substance Registry System	Mercury, diphenyl- (587-85-9)

Safety information for Diphenylmercury

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Skull and Crossbones Acute Toxicity GHS06 Health Hazard GHS08 Environment GHS09
GHS Hazard Statements	H300:Acute toxicity,oral H310:Acute toxicity,dermal H330:Acute toxicity,inhalation H373:Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure H400:Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard H410:Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard
Precautionary Statement Codes	P260:Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P262:Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. P264:Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P264:Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P273:Avoid release to the environment. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P284:Wear respiratory protection. P320:Specific treatment is urgent (see … on this label). P330:Rinse mouth. P301+P310:IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P304+P340:IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. P405:Store locked up.