Ethylmercury

A compound used in vaccines and other medical applications

Ethylmercury
Ethylmercury.png
Chemical structure of ethylmercury
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Molar Mass	229.65 g/mol
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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.

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.

Uses in Medicine

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.

Safety and Toxicology

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.

Regulatory Status

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.

Environmental Impact

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.

Also see

• Thiomersal
• Methylmercury
• Vaccine safety
• Organomercury chemistry