Efficient Oxidation of Sulfur Mustard and Its Simulants using N‐tert‐Butyl‐N‐chlorocyanamide

Abstract

N‐tert‐Butyl‐N‐chlorocyanamide reacts with sulfur mustard instantaneously to give a corresponding nontoxic sulfoxide in quantitative yield. The transformation is selective and takes place in semi‐aqueous medium (CH₃CN/H₂O, 1∶1), even at subzero temperatures.

Keywords:

• Decontamination
• N‐tert‐butyl‐N‐chlorocyanamide
• simulants
• sulfoxides
• sulfur mustard

Acknowledgment

We thank K. Sekhar, director, DRDE, Gwalior, for his keen interest and encouragement.