Methylmercury

Methylmercury
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.223.040 Edit this at Wikidata
  • Key: MJOUBOKSWBMNGQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • C[Hg+]
Properties
CH3Hg
Molar mass 215.63 g/mol
Related compounds
Related compounds
Ethylmercury
Dimethylmercury
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Structures of two main types of complexes formed by methylmercury. X = anion, L = neutral Lewis base.

Methylmercury (sometimes methyl mercury) is an organometallic cation with the formula [CH3Hg]+. It is the simplest organomercury compound. Methylmercury is extremely toxic, and its derivatives are the major source of organic mercury for humans. It is a bioaccumulative environmental toxicant with a 50-day half-life.[1][clarification needed] Methylmercury is the causative agent of the infamous Minamata disease.

  1. ^ Halliday, Tim; Davey, Basiro (2007). Water and health in an overcrowded world. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 79, 80, 95. ISBN 9780199237302.