Circular 21 - Insecticides and Subsidiary Materials 49 
MERCURIC CHLORIDE 
Mercuric chloride, also known as corro- 
sive sublimate, is used in the control of 
plant diseases and certain insects. In mili- 
tary canips where ants become a serious nuisance 
mercuric chloride is useful when incorporated 
in a specially prepared cloth tape which is 
tied around the lep;s of tables, refrigerators, 
and other objects frequented by ants. Mercu- 
rial ointment is used to control pubic lice. 
Chemically, mercuric chloride (HcClo) 
is a white solid, soluble in water. It is 
obtainable commercially as a white powder or 
in the form of tablets (each containing 7*5 
grains HgClp)* It is also widely used as a 
disinfectant and in dilute solution is used 
as an antiseptic in dressing; wounds. 
Caution: Since mercuric chloride is 
extremely poisonous, it should be stored in 
ti^'htly sealed containers and plainly marked. 
It corrodes metals, and solutions should be 
prepared in wooden, glass, or earthenware 
containers. It is advisable to wear rubber 
gloves when workin^; with this poison. 
Mercuric chloride is sold in 2 50 pound 
kegs and drums of 50 or more pounds at prices 
varying from .32. 2^ to ^^2,39 per pound. It is 
also procurable in 1, 5, and 25 pound packages. 
Available on contract: see Class 51, 
General Schedule of Supi^ies, Procurement 
Division, Treasury Department. 
