Ethylmercury: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|A compound used in vaccines and other medical applications}}
{{Infobox chemical
{{Infobox chemical
| name = Ethylmercury
| name = Ethylmercury
| image = Ethylmercury.png
| image = <!-- Image of the chemical structure -->
| image_size = 200px
| image_size = 200px
| image_caption = Chemical structure of ethylmercury
| image_alt = <!-- Alt text for the image -->
| IUPAC_name = Ethylmercury
| image_caption = <!-- Caption for the image -->
| other_names = Ethylmercuric cation
| IUPAC_name = <!-- IUPAC name -->
| chemical_formula = C₂H₅Hg⁺
| other_names = <!-- Other names -->
| molar_mass = 229.65 g/mol
| CAS_number = <!-- CAS number -->
| PubChem = <!-- PubChem ID -->
| ChemSpiderID = <!-- ChemSpider ID -->
| UNII = <!-- UNII -->
| KEGG = <!-- KEGG ID -->
| ChEBI = <!-- ChEBI ID -->
| ChEMBL = <!-- ChEMBL ID -->
| SMILES = <!-- SMILES notation -->
| InChI = <!-- InChI notation -->
| InChIKey = <!-- InChIKey -->
}}
}}


'''Ethylmercury''' is an organomercury compound that is used as a preservative in some vaccines and other medical applications. It is a cation with the formula C₂H₅Hg⁺ and is often encountered as part of the compound [[Thiomersal]], which is used to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination in multi-dose vials of vaccines.
'''Ethylmercury''' is an organomercury compound that is used as a [[preservative]] in some [[vaccine]]s and other medical products. It is a derivative of [[mercury]] and is related to [[methylmercury]], another organomercury compound.


==Chemical Properties==
==Chemical Properties==
Ethylmercury is a member of the organomercury class of compounds, which are characterized by a covalent bond between carbon and mercury. The ethyl group (C₂H₅) is bonded to the mercury atom, forming a linear structure. The compound is typically encountered as a cation, paired with an anion such as chloride or thiolate in its salt forms.
Ethylmercury is a compound that contains a mercury atom bonded to an ethyl group. It is less stable than methylmercury and breaks down more quickly in the body. This rapid breakdown reduces the risk of accumulation in the [[tissues]] and potential [[toxicity]].


==Uses in Medicine==
==Uses==
Ethylmercury is primarily used in the form of thiomersal, a compound that releases ethylmercury and thiosalicylate upon breakdown. Thiomersal has been used as a preservative in vaccines since the 1930s. It is effective in preventing microbial growth, which is crucial for maintaining the safety and efficacy of vaccines stored in multi-dose vials.
Ethylmercury is primarily used in the form of [[thimerosal]], a compound that has been used as a preservative in vaccines to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination. Thimerosal is metabolized into ethylmercury and [[thiosalicylate]] in the body.


===Safety and Toxicology===
==Safety and Toxicity==
The safety of ethylmercury in vaccines has been extensively studied. Unlike [[methylmercury]], which is known for its neurotoxic effects, ethylmercury is processed and eliminated from the body more rapidly. Studies have shown that the levels of ethylmercury used in vaccines do not pose a risk to human health. The [[World Health Organization]] and other health agencies have concluded that the benefits of using thiomersal in vaccines outweigh any potential risks.
The safety of ethylmercury, particularly in vaccines, has been extensively studied. Unlike methylmercury, which can accumulate in the body and cause [[neurotoxicity]], ethylmercury is eliminated more rapidly. Studies have shown that the levels of ethylmercury used in vaccines do not pose a risk to human health.


==Regulatory Status==
==Regulation and Public Health==
Due to public concerns about mercury exposure, many vaccines have been reformulated to remove or reduce thiomersal content, especially in pediatric vaccines. However, thiomersal is still used in some influenza vaccines and other products where multi-dose vials are necessary.
Due to public concern over mercury exposure, thimerosal has been removed or reduced to trace amounts in most vaccines for children in the United States and other countries. However, it is still used in some [[influenza vaccines]] and other products where multi-dose vials are necessary.


==Environmental Impact==
==See Also==
While ethylmercury itself is not a significant environmental pollutant, the broader category of organomercury compounds can have environmental impacts. Mercury pollution, primarily from industrial sources, can lead to the formation of methylmercury in aquatic systems, which bioaccumulates in fish and poses health risks to humans and wildlife.
* [[Thimerosal]]
 
==Also see==
* [[Thiomersal]]
* [[Methylmercury]]
* [[Methylmercury]]
* [[Vaccine safety]]
* [[Vaccine safety]]
* [[Organomercury chemistry]]
* [[Organomercury chemistry]]


{{Organomercury compounds}}
==References==
{{Vaccines}}
<references />
 
==External Links==
* [CDC: Thimerosal in Vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/thimerosal/index.html)
* [FDA: Thimerosal and Vaccines](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/thimerosal-and-vaccines)


[[Category:Organomercury compounds]]
[[Category:Organomercury compounds]]
[[Category:Vaccine preservatives]]
[[Category:Vaccine preservatives]]
[[Category:Mercury compounds]]
[[Category:Mercury compounds]]
<gallery>
File:EthylMercuryPrototypes.svg|Ethylmercury
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 01:05, 20 February 2025

Ethylmercury
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
ChemSpider ID
UNII
ChEBI
ChEMBL
Properties
Chemical Formula
Molar Mass
Appearance
Density
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Hazards
GHS Pictograms [[File:|50px]]
GHS Signal Word
GHS Hazard Statements
NFPA 704 [[File:|50px]]
References

Ethylmercury is an organomercury compound that is used as a preservative in some vaccines and other medical products. It is a derivative of mercury and is related to methylmercury, another organomercury compound.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Ethylmercury is a compound that contains a mercury atom bonded to an ethyl group. It is less stable than methylmercury and breaks down more quickly in the body. This rapid breakdown reduces the risk of accumulation in the tissues and potential toxicity.

Uses[edit]

Ethylmercury is primarily used in the form of thimerosal, a compound that has been used as a preservative in vaccines to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination. Thimerosal is metabolized into ethylmercury and thiosalicylate in the body.

Safety and Toxicity[edit]

The safety of ethylmercury, particularly in vaccines, has been extensively studied. Unlike methylmercury, which can accumulate in the body and cause neurotoxicity, ethylmercury is eliminated more rapidly. Studies have shown that the levels of ethylmercury used in vaccines do not pose a risk to human health.

Regulation and Public Health[edit]

Due to public concern over mercury exposure, thimerosal has been removed or reduced to trace amounts in most vaccines for children in the United States and other countries. However, it is still used in some influenza vaccines and other products where multi-dose vials are necessary.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

<references />

External Links[edit]