organomercury compounds - a range of substances in which mercury is combined with carbon and hydrogen (e.g. a phenyl group, C6H5, or methyl group, CH3), used as seed dressings, and sometimes applied to timber, to prevent fungal infestation.
The toxicity of organomercury compounds presents both dangers and benefits. Dimethylmercury in particular, is notoriously toxic, but has found use as an antifungal agent and insecticide. Merbromin and phenylmercuric borate are used as topical antiseptics, while Nitromersol is used as a preservative for vaccines and antitoxins.
