A simple and controlled oxidative decontamination of sulfur mustard and its simulants using ozone gas

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT

A simple and efficient oxidative decontamination method was developed for sulfur mustard (HD), a potential chemical warfare agent. The method involves treatment of chemical warfare agent HD and its simulants, i.e., dimethyl sulfide, diethyl sulfide, and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide with ozone gas at ambient conditions in acetonitrile solvent. Ozone gas readily oxidizes sulfur mustard in a controlled manner to give its corresponding nontoxic sulfoxide. This transformation is selective and takes place even at subzero temperatures. The oxidation products of HD and its simulants were monitored and quantified by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

KEYWORDS:

• Decontamination
• sulfur mustard
• ozone gas
• sulfoxides
• simulants

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Lokendra Singh, director DRDE, Gwalior, for his keen interest and encouragement.