mercuric chloride
A colorless, odorless, and non-volatile compound
(HgCl2), which is the oldest and perhaps best
known of the paper fungicides. It can be applied
in an aqueous or non-aqueous solution and is
usually used in concentrations as low as 0.1% by
weight of the paper. It is liable to liberate
hydrochloric acid under certain conditions;
however, since it contains only a small percentage
of chlorine, and is usually effective in very low
concentrations, it is not very likely to be
dangerous in this respect. Its major disadvantage
is its violently toxic nature, which has led to
its use being legally restricted in the United
States. (198 , 235 )
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