Dimethylmercury facts for kids
Dimethylmercury is a special kind of chemical compound. It's also known as dimethyl mercury. This compound is made up of two parts: a methyl group and a mercury atom. Its chemical formula is (CH3)2Hg. This formula tells us it has two methyl groups and one mercury atom.
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What is Dimethylmercury Like?
Dimethylmercury is a clear liquid, just like water. But don't let that fool you! It evaporates, or turns into a gas, very quickly. This chemical is extremely dangerous because it's a powerful poison for your nervous system. Your nervous system includes your brain and nerves, which control everything your body does.
Unlike some similar chemicals, dimethylmercury does not react with water. The mercury inside it is in a special form called a +2 oxidation state. It can also react with another chemical called mercury(II) chloride. When they mix, they form a solid, crystalline compound.
How is it Made?
Scientists can make dimethylmercury in a lab. They do this by mixing a special form of sodium called a amalgam with another chemical called methyl iodide.
What is it Used For?
Dimethylmercury has almost no useful purposes. It is very rarely used. Sometimes, it might be used to test special tools that are designed to find mercury.
Staying Safe Around Dimethylmercury
This chemical is incredibly toxic. Even a tiny drop on your skin can be very dangerous. It can easily pass through your skin and get into your brain.
The scary part is that the poisoning doesn't happen right away. It can take many months for the harmful effects to show up. This makes it even more dangerous because someone might not know they've been poisoned until much later. Because it is so dangerous, scientists and workers who might come near it must wear very special protective gear.
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See also
In Spanish: Dimetilmercurio para niños
