5867. Merbromin

Nomenclature

CAS number: 129-16-8
(2′7′-Dibromo-3′,6′-dihydroxy-3-oxospiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9′-[9H]xanthen]-4′-yl)hydroxymercury disodium salt; [2,7-dibromo-9-(o-carboxyphenyl)-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-4-yl]hydroxymercury disodium salt; mercurochrome; dibromohydroxymercurifluorescein disodium salt; no. 220 sol; Chromargyre; Planochrome; Flavurol; D.O.M.F.; Mercurophage; Mercurocol; Gallochrome; Gynochrome; Mercurome; Asceptichrome; Mercuranine.
C20H8Br2HgNa2O6; mol wt 750.65.
C 32.00%, H 1.07%, Br 21.29%, Hg 26.72%, Na 6.13%, O 12.79%.

Description and references

Prepd by treating dibromofluorescein with mercuric acetate and sodium hydroxide: White, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 42, 2355 (1920); also prepd by the action of mercuric acetate on dibromofluorescein sodium: Rymill, Corran, Q. J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 7, 543 (1934), see also US 1535003 (1925).

Chemical structure

Properties

Trihydrate, iridescent green scales or granules. Freely sol in water, giving a carmine-red soln. Very dil solns (1:2000) possess a yellow-green fluorescence. pH of 0.5% soln: 8.8. One gram dissolves in 50 grams of 94% alcohol, in 8.1 grams methanol: Denoel, J. Pharm. Belg. 22, 423 (1940); 23, 75 (1941). Practically insol in alcohol, acetone, chloroform, ether. Incompat. Acids, most alkaloidal salts and most local anesthetics. Colors the skin carmine-red. The stains may be removed by washing first with permanganate soln and then with oxalic acid soln.

Therapeutic Category

Antibacterial.

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Antiseptic.

Keywords

Antiseptic/Disinfectant; Mercurial compounds