Methoxyethyl mercury acetate

Description

Methoxyethylmercuric acetate is a crystalline solid. Molecular weight= 318.74; Freezing/Melting point=41℃. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3, Flammability 1, Reactivity 0. Soluble in water.

Chemical properties

Methoxyethylmercuric acetate is a crystalline solid.

Definition

A fungicide and disinfectant used in treating seeds.

General Description

Crystals. Formerly used as a pesticide in seed treatment for cotton and small grains. Exhibits high fungicidal activity against leaf stripe of barley, stinking smut of wheat, snow mold of rye; against seedling diseases in beets and legumes, and for dressing "seed" potatoes, bulbs, and tubers. Not registered as a pesticide in the U.S.

Reactivity Profile

Organometallics, such as METHOXYETHYL MERCURIC ACETATE, are reactive with many other groups. Incompatible with acids and bases. Organometallics are good reducing agents and therefore incompatible with oxidizing agents. Often reactive with water to generate toxic or flammable gases.

Hazard

Highly toxic.

Health Hazard

Highly toxic. Target organs are brain and central nervous system. Inhalation can cause lung damage; ingestion can cause kidney damage. Women of childbearing age and persons with eczema, renal or neurological disorders should not be exposed to mercurials.

Fire Hazard

When heated to decomposition, Methoxyethyl mercury acetate emits toxic fumes of mercury. Methoxyethyl mercury acetate may burn but does not ignite readily. Container may explode in heat of fire.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion. Mutation data reported. A fungicide. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Hg. See also MERCURY COMPOUNDS.

Potential Exposure

Used as a pesticide in seed treatment for cotton and small grains. It is no longer approved for this use. It exhibits high fungicidal activity against leaf stripe of barley, stinking smut of wheat, snow mold of rye, against seedling diseases in beets and legumes, and for dressing “seed” potatoes, bulbs, and tubers. Not registered as a pesticide in the United States

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Speed in removing material from skin is of extreme importance. Shampoo hair promptly if contaminated. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin Methoxyethylmercuric acetate 1739 rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Antidotes and special procedures for medical personnel: The drug NAP (n-acetyl penicillamine) has been used to treat mercury poisoning, with mixed success. Note to physician: For severe poisoning BAL [British AntiLewisite, dimercaprol, dithiopropanol (C3H8OS2)] has been used to treat toxic symptoms of certain heavy metals poisoning including mercury. Although BAL is reported to have a large margin of safety, caution must be exercised, because toxic effects may be caused by excessive dosage. Most can be prevented by premedication with 1-ephedrine sulfate (CAS: 134-72-5).

storage

Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Store in a secure poison location. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, wellventilated area.

Shipping

UN2025 Mercury compounds, solid, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required. UN2777 Mercury based pesticides, solid, toxic, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

Strong reducing agent. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Compounds of the carboxyl group react with all bases, both inorganic and organic (i.e., amines) releasing substantial heat, water and a salt that may be harmful. Incompatible with arsenic compounds (releases hydrogen cyanide gas), diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides (releasing heat, toxic, and possibly flammable gases), thiosulfates and dithionites (releasing hydrogen sulfate and oxides of sulfur). Corrosive to iron and other metals.

Waste Disposal

In accordance with 40CFR 165 recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Must be disposed properly by following package label directions or by contacting your local or federal environmental control agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office.