A solvent-free solid catalyst for the selective and color-indicating ambient-air removal of sulfur mustard.

ABSTRACT: Bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide or sulfur mustard (HD) is one of the highest-tonnage chemical warfare agents and one that is highly persistent in the environment. For decontamination, selective oxidation of HD to the substantially less toxic sulfoxide is crucial. We report here a solvent-free, solid, robust catalyst comprising hydrophobic salts of tribromide and nitrate, copper(II) nitrate hydrate, and a solid acid (Nafion^TM) for selective sulfoxidation using only ambient air at room temperature. This system rapidly removes HD as a neat liquid or a vapor. The mechanisms of these aerobic decontamination reactions are complex, and studies confirm reversible formation of a key intermediate, the bromosulfonium ion, and the role of Cu(II). The latter increases the rate four-fold by increa

SUBMITTER: Collins-Wildman DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9814880 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature