[1][2][3] It kills crabgrass, the seedlings of which are especially vulnerable, but leaves most lawn grasses intact.

[3] Phenylmercuric acetate was used for disinfecting mucous membranes, but due to toxicological and ecotoxicological reasons, is no longer used.

[5] Phenylmercuric acetate was used as a catalyst during commercial 3M Tartan brand polyurethane flexible floor manufacture.

[8] A rare side effect of phenylmercuric acetate in eye drops is mercurialentis, the buildup of pigment on the anterior capsule of the lens.

This has been estimated to affect 18 of 500 patients who have used eye drops containing phenylmercuric acetate two to four times a day for more than six years.