THIMEROSAL

antiseptic for the skin and mucous membranes, sometimes marketed under the trade name Merthiolate. It is an organic compound containing mercury and is related to merbromin (trade name Mercurochrome) and nitromersol (trade name Metaphen). Thimerosal disinfects by the action of the mercury in the molecule, precipitating the protein of microorganisms and disrupting their metabolisms. Thimerosal occurs as a light-coloured crystalline powder, soluble in water and in alcohol. It is used as a 0.1 percent alcoholic tincture or aqueous solution.