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Thiomersal

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Identification
Molecular formula
C9H9HgNaO2S
CAS number
54-64-8
IUPAC name
2,3-dihydroxypropylsulfanyl(methyl)mercury
State
State

At room temperature, thiomersal is generally encountered in its solid form. In the laboratory, it may often be used in a dissolved state in various solutions.

Melting point (Celsius)
234.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
507.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
404.82g/mol
Molar mass
404.8180g/mol
Density
1.6980g/cm3
Appearence

Thiomersal is typically found as a white or slightly yellow crystalline powder. It is often used in solutions, where it dissolves to form a clear liquid without any noticeable color.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2,3-Dihydroxypropylsulfanyl(methyl)mercury

The solubility of 2,3-dihydroxypropylsulfanyl(methyl)mercury can be quite intriguing due to its unique chemical structure. This compound is known for its moderate to high solubility...

  • Solvent Dependence: It generally displays significant solubility in polar solvents such as water and alcohols, primarily due to the presence of hydroxyl groups.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: The hydroxyl (-OH) groups facilitate hydrogen bonding, enhancing solubility in polar media.
  • Insoluble in Non-Polar Solvents: Conversely, the compound tends to be less soluble in non-polar solvents like hexane or benzene.

Moreover, it’s essential to consider the following factors that influence solubility:

  1. Temperature: An increase in temperature often increases solubility in solids.
  2. pH Levels: The pH of the solution can significantly affect solubility, especially for compounds containing acidic or basic functional groups.
  3. Ionic Strength: The ionic strength of the solvent can also alter the solubility of ionic compounds.

In summary, while 2,3-dihydroxypropylsulfanyl(methyl)mercury exhibits notable solubility characteristics, it is essential to consider the specific solvent and environmental conditions for optimal solubility. As with many chemical compounds, understanding these solubility parameters can be fundamental for applications in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and environmental science.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2,3-Dihydroxypropylsulfanyl(methyl)mercury

This intriguing compound, 2,3-dihydroxypropylsulfanyl(methyl)mercury, is notable for its unique structure and its potential implications in environmental and health sciences. As a mercury-containing compound, it embodies several critical characteristics relevant to both chemistry and toxicology.

Key Characteristics:

  • Mercury Chemistry: This compound is an organomercury compound, which indicates that it contains a carbon-metal bond. Organomercury compounds are often studied for their biological effects and mechanisms of toxicity.
  • Hydroxyl Groups: The presence of hydroxyl (-OH) groups in its structure lends it unique reactivity and the potential for participating in various chemical reactions, making it a fascinating subject for further exploration.
  • Potential Applications: Understanding its properties may help in assessing environmental pollution, as mercury compounds can accumulate in biological systems and have significant ecological impacts.

Studying such compounds also opens up conversations around environmental health and toxicology. As the compound may act as a marker for mercury exposure or bioavailability, researchers are continuously pursuing its behavior in different environmental matrices.

Quote to Ponder:

As noted by renowned chemists, “The study of mercury compounds like 2,3-dihydroxypropylsulfanyl(methyl)mercury provides a window into understanding both the dangers and the biochemical mechanisms that govern heavy metal toxicity.”

In the realm of medicinal chemistry, investigations into compounds such as this one often lead to critical insights regarding mercury detoxification mechanisms and the design of safer alternatives for industrial and pharmaceutical practices.

Synonyms
Methylmercury 2,3-dihydroxypropylmercaptide
Caswell No. 573C
(2,3-Dihydroxypropylthio)methylmercury
Methylmercury propanediolmercaptide
4U5T072L5V
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 051905
Mercury, (3-mercapto-1,2-propanediolato-S)methyl-
UNII-4U5T072L5V
DTXSID90895109
MERCURY, ((DIHYDROXYPROPYL)THIO)METHYL-
J53.679B
3-METHYLMERCURIO(II)THIO-1,2-PROPANEDIOL
MERCURY, (3-MERCAPTO-1,2-PROPANEDIOLATO)METHYL-
DTXCID401324643
2597-95-7
NS00125289
Q27260506