(Nitrato-κO)phenylmercury

339.7

340.99800

200-242-9

0541

4772

1895

DTXSID6044569

Crystals

55.05000

1.04090

WHITE CRYSTALS OR GREY CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

176-186 °C

Solubility in water: poor

All phenylmercuric compound solutions form a black residue of metallic mercury when exposed to light or after prolonged storage. Solutions may be sterilized by autoclaving, although significant amounts of phenylmercuric salts may be lost, hence reducing preservative efficacy, owing to incompatibilities with packaging components or other excipients, e.g. sodium metabisulfite.
Phenylmercuric nitrate should be stored in a well-closed container, protected from light, in a cool, dry place.

Subcutaneous-rat LD50: 63 mg/kg

Decomposes highly toxic mercury-containing vapor upon heating

SATURATED AQ SOLN IS ACID TO LITMUS; MELTS BETWEEN 175 DEG & 185 DEG. ...

Very slightly soluble in water.

Organometallics

Strongly 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. Generally highly toxic. Often react on contact with tissues to give toxic products.

II

6.1(a)

1895

(1/2)-23-24/25-37-45-60-61

OW8400000

T, N

Storehouse ventilated at low temperature and dry; stored and transported separately from acids, oxidants and food

Stable.

P260, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P310, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P314, P321, P330, P363, P391, P405, P501

H301

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. (ERG, 2016)|Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

|Danger|H301 (100%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|P260, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P310, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P314, P321, P330, P363, P391, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 40 companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]|P201, P202, P260, P261, P264, P270, P272, P280, P281, P302+P352, P308+P313, P314, P321, P332+P313, P333+P313, P362, P363, P405, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. (ERG, 2016)|Personnel protection: ... Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing appartatus. ... Wear appropriate chemical protective clothing.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers.|Personnel protection: Avoid breathing dusts, and fumes from burning material. Keep upwind. ... Avoid bodily contact with the material. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.|SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Non-combustible)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways.|/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Non-combustible)/ Health: Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.|/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Non-combustible)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas.|/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Non-combustible)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Human toxicity: Local application of concentrated soln may cause irritation.|Exposure of the skin to a concentrated solution of phenylmercury cmpd may cause chemical burns with blistering. /Aryl mercury cmpd/

Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

A nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion.

Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the nervous system and kidneys. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!

Use ventilation (not if powder). Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear safety spectacles, face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Phenylmercuric nitrate is included on this list.

D009; Mercury. A waste containing mercury may or may not be characterized as a hazardous waste following testing by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure as prescribed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations. /Mercury/

D009; A solid waste containing mercury may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Mercury/

highly toxic

LD50 Mouse ip 8 mg/kg /PhHg/

Phenylmercuric nitrates's production and use as a cosmetic bactericide(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. In addition, its former use(2) as a tree wound dressing(3) and paint biocide(4) resulted in its direct release to the environment(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 520(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that phenylmercuric nitrate should have moderate to low mobility in soil(SRC). However, this compound is expected to dissociate in moist soils to the cation. As cations may adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts, mobility may be much lower in some soils(SRC). Phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to be transformed into other organic and inorganic mercury compounds in soil(3). When added to an undisturbed soil sample taken from the banks of a small mercury-contaminated river in Bavaria, Germany, this compound underwent a 81% loss of phenylmercuric nitrate over a 14-day period; this was attributed to the transformation of phenylmercuric nitrate to inorganic Hg compounds(3). Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process because this compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment. Phenylmercuric nitrate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) as it is a salt. Photodegradation of phenylmercuric nitrate on soil surfaces may occur(4,5).|AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 520(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that non-dissociated phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). This compound is expected to dissociate in water forming the cation. Cations generally adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process because this compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment(SRC). This compound is not expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms as it dissociates rapidly in water. Phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to be transformed into other organic and inorganic mercury compounds in water(SRC) based on a soil study(3). When added to an undisturbed soil sample taken from the banks of a small mercury-contaminated river in Bavaria, Germany, this compound underwent a 81% loss of phenylmercuric nitrate over a 14-day period; this was attributed to the transformation of phenylmercuric nitrate to inorganic Hg compounds(3). A photodegradation half-life of 20 hours was measured for phenylmercuric nitrate in distilled water(4).|ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Phenylmercuric nitrate is a salt and is thus not expected to volatilize in the environment(SRC). Particulate-phase phenylmercuric nitrate may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Arylmercury salts (e.g. phenylmercuric nitrate) absorb light in the environmental spectrum and have the potential for direct photolysis(1,2).

Arylmercury salts (e.g. phenylmercuric nitrate) may also decompose to metallic mercury by a radical mechanism catalyzed by light(1,2). Based on experimental data, the minimum half-life for photodegradation in sunlight (Sept, Northern Georgia, U.S.) was estimated to be 20 hours(2).

This compound is not expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms as it dissociates rapidly in water forming phenylmercuric cation. (SRC)

Phenylmercury spray residues are strongly adsorbed onto soil clay particles. Maximum adsorption occurred at pH 6 with significant reductions at pH 5 or 7.|Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for phenylmercuric nitrate can be estimated to be 520(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to have moderate to low mobility in soil. However, phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to dissociate in moist soil to the cation. Cations generally adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts, suggesting that this compound's mobility may be much lower in some soils(SRC).

... A large fraction of the spray residue was found in the soil 30-50 days after application; the rest of the Hg was lost by vaporization (either as the organic cmpd or after conversion to Hg metal) or by migration to lower soil horizons since water containing organic cmpd from decomposing vegetable matter can leach adsorbed Hg. /Phenylmercury spray/|Volatilization from moist soil and water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process because this compound will exist in the dissociated form in the environment. Phenylmercuric nitrate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces as it is a salt. (SRC)

Occupational exposure to phenylmercuric nitrate may occur through inhalation of dust particles and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where phenylmercuric nitrate is produced or used. (SRC)|Prior to 1991, phenylmercuric compounds were used as biocides in 25-30% of interior and exterior latex paint; however, this use of mercury was voluntarily discontinued for interior paint in 1990 and for exterior paint in 1991(1). The use of phenylmercury resulted in the exposure of house painters and residents to mercury vapors in the homes where interior and exterior latex paint was applied(1). Although the use of mercury biocides in latex paint has been discontinued, it is possible that people who use old latex paint in their homes will be exposed to mercury for a considerable time(1). Furthermore, although phenylmercury use in exterior latex paints was discontinued in 1991, paint companies were allowed to continue to produce and sell paint containing phenylmercury until the existing stocks of phenylmercury were exhausted(1).

MEDICATION (VET): FUNGICIDE, BACTERICIDE|LOCAL ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT ... FOR EXTERNAL USE IN SOLN OR OINTMENT AS ANTISEPTIC FOR PROPHYLACTIC & THERAPEUTIC DISINFECTION OF SKIN, SUPERFICIAL ABRASIONS, LACERATIONS, WOUNDS, & INFECTIONS ...|DOSE--FOR TOPICAL APPLICATIONS TO SKIN OR MUCOSAE, AS 0.1 TO 0.2% SOLN OR 0.033% TINCTURE. ...|MEDICATION (VET): AS A PRESERVATIVE, IN CERTAIN PARENTERALS USED IN LIMITED VOL & NOT FOR SPINAL USE ... AS AN ANTISEPTIC ON SKIN ... AS A BACTERIOSTAT IN WET DRESSINGS OR SOLN FOR IRRIGATION OF WOUNDS, FISTULAS ...

Prolonged topical application can result in mercury intoxication.

Substances used on humans and other animals that destroy harmful microorganisms or inhibit their activity. They are distinguished from DISINFECTANTS, which are used on inanimate objects. (See all compounds classified as Anti-Infective Agents, Local.)|Substances used on inanimate objects that destroy harmful microorganisms or inhibit their activity. Disinfectants are classed as complete, destroying SPORES as well as vegetative forms of microorganisms, or incomplete, destroying only vegetative forms of the organisms. They are distinguished from ANTISEPTICS, which are local anti-infective agents used on humans and other animals. (From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 11th ed) (See all compounds classified as Disinfectants.)|Chemicals that kill or inhibit the growth of fungi in agricultural applications, on wood, plastics, or other materials, in swimming pools, etc. (See all compounds classified as Fungicides, Industrial.)

ORGANIC MERCURY CMPD (MERCURIC ACETATE, MERCURIC NITRATE & PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE) LABELED WITH (203)MERCURY, WERE ADMIN TO PREGNANT HAMSTERS EARLY ON 8TH GESTATION DAY. SIGNIFICANT CONCN OF MERCURY WERE FOUND IN MATERNAL TISSUES, PLACENTAE, & EMBRYOS.|... Aryl- and alkylmercury fungicides applied to rice leaves were absorbed and eventually accumulate in rice grains where 11-17% of the Hg was in organic form. Total Hg residues in treated rice were in the range 0.05-0.6 ppm. /Aryl-and alkylmercury fungicides/|Phenylmercury absorbed through the skin from contaminated diapers affected urinary excretion in infants in Buenos Aires. The effects were reversible and quantitatively related to the concn of urinary Hg. Excretion of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, an enzyme in the brush-borders of renal tubular cells, increased in a dose-dependent manner when Hg excretion exceeded a threshold value. Urine volume also increased but at a higher threshold with respect to Hg. The results support the threshold concept of the systemic toxicity of metals. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is a useful and sensitive marker for preclinical effects of mercury. /Phenylmercury cmpd/|INORGANIC MERCURIAL SALTS AND ... PHENYL MERCURIC SALTS ARE SIMILAR IN MANY RESPECTS. ... A LARGER PORTION OF MERCURY IS ABSORBED AFTER ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF PHENYL MERCURIC SALTS. ... VIRTUALLY ALL ... MERCURY IN ... KIDNEYS IS PRESENT AS INORGANIC MERCURY FOLLOWING DOSES OF PHENYL MERCURY ... /PHENYL MERCURIC SALTS/|For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

FROM A CELL-FREE EXTRACT OF MERCURY-RESISTANT PSEUDOMONAS, AN ENZYME WAS OBTAINED WHICH CATALYZED REDUCTION OF MERCURY IN ... INORG MERCURIALS TO METALLIC MERCURY. A PROSTHETIC GROUP OF THE ENZYME WAS IDENTIFIED AS FAD (FLAVINE ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE). /INORGANIC MERCURIALS/

THE IN VITRO EFFECT OF 20 PESTICIDES IN CONCENTRATIONS OF 500 AND 50 OR 300 AND 30 UG/ML ON THE ACTIVITY OF UDP-GLUCURONYLTRANSFERASE AND CYTOCHROME P-450 DEPENDENT O-DEMETHYLASE OF P-NITROANISOLE FROM RAT & MOUSE LIVER MICROSOMES WAS INVESTIGATED. PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE AND ACETATE, AND MERCURIC ACETATE HAD A STRONG INHIBITORY EFFECT ON BOTH ENZYMES.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. (ERG, 2016)

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: Some heavy metals are VERY TOXIC POISONS, especially if their salts are very soluble in water (e.g., lead, chromium, mercury, bismuth, osmium, and arsenic). IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center and locate activated charcoal, egg whites, or milk in case the medical advisor recommends administering one of them. Also locate Ipecac syrup or a glass of salt water in case the medical advisor recommends inducing vomiting. Usually, this is NOT RECOMMENDED outside of a physician's care. If advice from a physician is not readily available and the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give the victim a glass of activated charcoal slurry in water or, if this is not available, a glass of milk, or beaten egg whites and IMMEDIATELY transport victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, assure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower for at least 15 minutes. Refer immediately for medical attention .

Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.

... PROPERLY DIL SOLN ARE NOT IRRITATING TO TISSUES, RASH DUE TO HYPERSENSITIVITY ... REPORTED.|IN IN VITRO TESTS ON HUMAN SPERM, THE ORDER OF SPERMICIDAL POTENCY WAS: PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE WAS GREATER THAN BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE WAS GREATER THAN SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE WAS GREATER THAN PROPYLPARABEN WAS GREATER THAN METHYLPARABEN WAS GREATER THAN LACTIC ACID WAS GREATER THAN BORIC ACID WAS GREATER THAN RICINOLEIC ACID. OINTMENTS CONTAINING A SINGLE SPERMICIDE WERE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THOSE CONTAINING SPERMICIDE COMBINATIONS.|IMMEDIATE STERILITY AFTER VASECTOMY USING PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE AS A SPERMICIDE IS DISCUSSED.|Phenylmercury absorbed through the skin from contaminated diapers affected urinary excretion in infants in Buenos Aires. The effects were reversible and quantitatively related to the concn of urinary Hg. /Phenylmercury cmpd/

merphene

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Skin burns. Pain.

Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe burns.

Status: cancelled|FEDERAL REGISTRATION FOR USE IN FOOD PRODUCTION CANCELLED (1969).|PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE SHOWED GOOD COMPATIBILITY WITH ADJUVANTS.

THE COLD-VAPOR METHOD OF FLAMELESS SPECTROPHOTOMETRY WAS APPLIED FOR DETERMINING THE MERCURY CMPD, PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE, IN VACCINES AND IN BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS.|Phenylmercury acetate and nitrate were determined by a reversed-phase HPLC based on the complexation with a morpholinedithiocarbamate derivation in a homogenous system. The method used a muBondapak C18 column, MeOH-H2O (3:1) containing 1 times 10-4M di-sodium EDTA, and spectrophotometric detection at 258 nm. A linear response over the range 0-5 times 10-3% (wt/vol) phenylmercury was obtained. The method is specific and sensitive, and it is adequate to determine phenylmercury salts in a number of eye drops.