An Investigation into the Stability of Sulfur Mustard and Soman in Perfluorooctylbromide

ABSTRACT

Perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) was investigated as a potential stabilizer of sulfur mustard (HD) and soman (GD) because of its physical-chemical properties and its low toxicity. Separately, HD and GD solutions in PFOB were tested from −70°C to 50°C by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and were found to be stable. When mixed with 10% (v/v) H₂O, the HD/PFOB sample decomposed (t_1/2 = 37 hours at 22°C), whereas the GD/PFOB sample remained unchanged for more than 24 hours. For additional identification before H₂O addition, the compounds were extracted from PFOB with acetonitrile and analyzed by using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS), and HD and GD were readily identified in their respective samples. We demonstrated by NMR and GCMS that PFOB solutions of HD and GD maintained their stability over a wide range of temperatures. We demonstrated by NMR that PFOB extended the stability of HD and GD when exposed to H₂O. These results prompt us to offer PFOB as a potential candidate for sample collection, preservation, and forensic analysis of HD and GD evidence and as a preservative vehicle for research on tissue exposed to chemical warfare agents.

Keywords :

• Perfluorooctylbromide
• Nuclear magnetic resonance
• Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy
• Chemical warfare/terrorism agents
• Sulfur mustard (HD)
• Soman (GD)

Notes

The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the author(s) and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.