Question

Mercurochrome, formerly used as an antiseptic, is an organic mercury compound. What might be the
reason for its antiseptic properties?

Answer 1

Mercurochrome, formerly used as an antiseptic, is an organic mercury compound. What might be the reason for its antiseptic properties?

Answer: Mercurochrome is the trade name for the disodium salt of 2,7-dibromo-4-hydroxymercurifluorescein known as Merbromin.

Merbromin

Mercurochrome contains Merbromin at 2% concentration dissolved in either tincture or water. It is best known to be used as a topical antiseptic to treat minor cuts and wounds.

Mercurochrome antiseptic properties are called by the presence of mercury in its structure. Most of mercury compounds have strong antibacterial and cauterizing properties.