Dimethylmercury (DMM, CAS Reg. No. 593-74-8), with the chemical formula (CH3)2Hg, is a clear liquid with a mild sweet smell and is highly toxic to the nervous system. dimethylmercury is highly toxic and lethal at doses of approximately 400 mg mercury (equivalent to a few drops) or approximately 5 mg kg−1 body weight or as low as 0.1 ml. The lipophilic nature of DMM results in rapid absorption following inhalation or skin contact. DMMs readily pass through latex gloves, so proper personal protective equipment is critical when working with DMMs.
Dimethylmercury is effectively absorbed by inhalation or skin penetration. When absorbed, dimethylmercury is converted to methylmercury in living organisms. Chemists have described severe cases of fatal poisoning (Hunter, 1957; Nierenberg et al., 1998). Symptomology and toxicokinetics were the same as those observed after exposure to methylmercury compounds. A significant delay of 5 months has been reported between a single exposure and the onset of neurological symptoms in fatal poisoning cases (Nierenberg et al., 1998). Such a long delay may indicate that dimethylmercury can be distributed in fat library, and then slowly distributed. Release demethylation.
Dimethylmercury (CAS No. 593-74-8) is effectively absorbed by inhalation or skin penetration. When absorbed, dimethylmercury is converted to methylmercury in living organisms. Several fatal cases of chemical poisoning have been described (Hunter, 1955; Nierenberg et al., 1998). The symptomology and toxicokinetics were the same as those observed after exposure to methylmercury compounds. A significant delay of 5 months between a single exposure and the onset of neurological symptoms has been reported in fatal poisoning cases (Nierenberg et al., 1998). Such a long delay may indicate that dimethylmercury is distributed in fat depots and subsequently released slowly in the demethylated form.