Title: Dichloro(2-chlorovinyl)arsine
CAS Registry Number: 541-25-3
CAS Name: (2-Chloroethenyl)arsonous dichloride
Additional Names: 2-chlorovinyldichloroarsine; chlorovinylarsine dichloride; Lewisite
Molecular Formula: C2H2AsCl3
Molecular Weight: 207.32
Percent Composition: C 11.59%, H 0.97%, As 36.14%, Cl 51.30%
Line Formula: ClCH=CHAsCl2
Literature References: Vesicant used as chemical weapon. Prepn: S. J. Green, T. S. Price, J. Chem. Soc. 119, 448 (1921); W. L. Lewis, G. A. Perkins, Ind. Eng. Chem. 15, 290 (1923). Review of military experience: G. N. Jarman in Adv. Chem. Ser. 23, entitled "Metal-Organic Compounds," M. Sittig, Ed. (ACS, Washington DC, 1959) pp 328-337. Determn of degradation products in soil: B. A. Tomkins et al., J. Chromatogr. A 909, 13 (2001); in urine: J. V. Wooten et al., J. Chromatogr. B 772, 147 (2002). Review of chemistry, toxicology and biological effects: M. Goldman, J. C. Dacre, Rev. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 110, 75-115 (1989).
Properties: Colorless, slightly oily liquid; darkens with time becoming violet-black or green. Faint odor of geranium. Vesicant. bp12.5 76-77°; bp26 93°; bp760 190°. d420 1.888. Sol in the common organic solvents. Insol in water, dil mineral acids. Absorbed by rubber, paint, varnish and porous materials. Rapidly hydrolyzed in aqueous medium. LD50 in rats (mg/kg): 50 orally; in rats, rabbits (mg/kg): 24, 6 dermally; 1, 2 s.c. (Goldman, Dacre).
Boiling point: bp12.5 76-77°; bp26 93°; bp760 190°
Density: d420 1.888
Toxicity data: LD50 in rats (mg/kg): 50 orally; in rats, rabbits (mg/kg): 24, 6 dermally; 1, 2 s.c. (Goldman, Dacre)
CAUTION: Vapors are extremely toxic. Contact with skin may produce immediate, persistent stinging, followed by erythema and blistering; irritating to eyes; inhalation of 0.50 mg/l for 5 min is considered lethal in humans (Goldman, Dacre). Antidote: Dimercaprol, q.v.
Use: Chemical warfare agent. |