Methyldichloroarsine
IUPAC name	Dichloromethylarsane
Abbreviations	MD
Identifiers
CAS number	593-89-5
Properties
Molecular formula	CH3AsCl2
Molar mass	160.86 g/mol
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Density	1.836 g/cm3
Melting point	−55°C
Boiling point	133°C
Hazards
Main hazards	Highly toxic, Irritant
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Methyldichloroarsine, sometimes abbreviated "MD", is a organoarsenic compound with the formula CH₃AsCl₂. This colourless volatile liquid is a highly toxic vesicant that has been used in chemical warfare.^[1]

[edit] History

German chemists weaponized the methyldichloroarsine, during World War I between 1917 and 1918, it was the first organoarsenic compound to be weaponized.^[2]

[edit] Structure, synthesis, reactivity

Focusing on the arsenic center, the molecule is pyramidal with the Cl-As-Cl and C-As-Cl angles approaching 90° (see image). Virtually all related arsenic(III) compounds adopt similar structures.

Methyldichloroarsine is produced by the reaction of methylmagnesium chloride and arsenic trichloride:^[3]

AsCl₃ + CH₃MgCl → CH₃AsCl₂ + MgCl₂

Typically such syntheses are conducted in ether or THF solutions and typically the product is isolated by distillation. Use of larger amounts of the magnesium reagent affords greater amounts of dimethylchloroarsine ((CH₃)₂AsCl) and trimethylarsine ((CH₃)₃As).

In World War I, the german manufacturing method consisted of a three-step reaction beginning with methylation of sodium arsenite:

2 Na₃AsO₃ + (CH₃O)₂SO₂ → 2 CH₃AsO(ONa)₂ + Na₂SO₄,

followed by reduction of the disodium monomethylarsonate with sulfur dioxide:

CH₃AsO(ONa)₂ + SO₂ → CH₃AsO + Na₂SO₄,

subsequently reacting the monomethylarsine oxide thus formed with hydrogen chloride to yield methyldichloroarsine:^[4]

CH₃AsO + 2 HCl → CH₃AsCl₂ + H₂O

The As-Cl bonds in MD are susceptible toward nucleophilic attack. Reduction of MD with sodium metal affords the polymer [CH₃As]_n.

[edit] Use as a weapon

Methyldichloroarsine's only documented large-scale use is as a chemical weapon.^{[citation needed][clarification needed]}

[edit] Symptoms of poisoning

Although some of its symptoms resemble those from poison ivy, other symptoms include irritation to the eyes and to the nose, although blistering may be delayed for hours.^[1][5] Other symptoms include: dermal burns with vesicle formation; blepharospasm and photophobia. Convulsions, abdominal pain, coughing, and shortness of breath with damage to the respiratory system can be delayed for about three to five days; hemolysis can also occur.^[1][6]

MD is not persistent, meaning that it will dissipate after a short time.^[5] It is, however, still quite lethal. The LCt/50 for MD is about 3,000 mg/min.^[5]

[edit] Protection

Besides avoiding situations in which it might be used, an activated charcoal filter and a protective mask can help protect against MD.^[1] It should, however, be noted that MD can penetrate rubber, so some masks and clothing are ineffective.^[3] Other protective clothing, such as full body protection, are useful as well. Among the agents useful for decontamination of MD are bleach and caustic soda.^[5]

[edit] See also

• Ethyldichloroarsine
• Phenyldichloroarsine

[edit] References