Lewisite 3
Chemical compound
Names | |
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Preferred IUPAC name
Tris[(
E
)-2-chloroethen-1-yl]arsane
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Other names
Tris((
E
)-2-chlorovinyl)arsine
( E , E , E )-Lewisite 3 L-3 |
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Identifiers | |
3D model (
JSmol
)
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ChemSpider |
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PubChem
CID
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UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard
(
EPA
)
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Properties | |
C 6 H 6 AsCl 3 | |
Molar mass | 259.4 g mol −1 |
Hazards | |
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their
standard state
(at 25
°C [77
°F], 100
kPa).
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Lewisite 3 (L-3) is an organoarsenic chemical weapon like lewisite 1 and lewisite 2 first synthesized in 1904 by Julius Arthur Nieuwland . [2] It is usually found as a mixture of 2-chlorovinylarsonous dichloride (lewisite 1) as well as bis(2-chloroethenyl) arsinous chloride (lewisite 2) and tris(2-chlorovinyl)arsine (lewisite 3). [2] Pure lewisite 1 is an oily, colorless liquid, however, the impure mixture can appear amber to black with an odor distinct to geraniums . [3] [4]
Synthesis
Lewisite 3 is made as a byproduct along with lewisite 2 in the reaction that makes lewisite 1. [5]
Acetylene reacts with AsCl3 in hydrochloric acid solution, with mercuric chloride as a catalyst , to give lewisite in 80 to 85% yield. [5]
- AsCl 3 + C 2 H 2 → (ClCH=CH)AsCl 2
Lewisite 3 is formed when there are three additions of acetylene to the arsenic center instead of one.
Exposure
Adverse health effects caused by lewisite can vary and are dependent on; the amount people are exposed to and, the amount of time someone is exposed to it. Lewisite immediately damages the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract and is a strong irritant and blistering agent . Due to its arsenic center, lewisite may also cause problems similar to arsenic poisonings like stomach ailments and low blood pressure.
Inhalation
Inhalation, the most common route of exposure, causes a burning pain and irritation throughout the respiratory tract, nosebleed (epistaxis), laryngitis , sneezing , coughing , vomiting , difficult breathing ( dyspnea ). From one acute exposure, someone who has inhaled lewisite can develop chronic respiratory disease . [4] In severe cases of exposure, can cause fatal pulmonary edema , pneumonitis , or respiratory failure .
Ingestion
Ingestion results in severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and tissue damage. [4] Those exposed to lewisite can develop refractory hypotension (low blood pressure) known as Lewisite shock, as well as some features of arsenic toxicity. [6] Lewisite causes physical damage to capillaries , which then become leaky, meaning that there is not enough blood volume to maintain blood pressure, a condition called hypovolemia . When the blood pressure is low, the kidneys may not receive enough oxygen and can be damaged . [4]
Eye Exposure
The results of eye exposure can range from stinging, burning pain and strong irritation to blistering and scarring of the cornea , along with blepharospasm , lacrimation , and edema of the eyelids and periorbital area . Eye exposure to lewisite can cause permanent visual impairment or blindness. [4] The eyes can swell shut, which can keep the eyes safe from further exposure. The most severe consequences of eye exposure to lewisite are globe perforation and blindness . [4] Generalised symptoms also include restlessness, weakness, hypothermia and low blood pressure.
Chronic Exposure
Chronic exposure to lewisite can cause arsenic poisoning and development of a lewisite allergy . It can also cause various long-term illnesses or permanent damage to organs, depending on where the exposure has occurred, including conjunctivitis , aversion to light ( photophobia ), visual impairment, double vision ( diplopia ), tearing ( lacrimation ), dry mucous membranes, garlic breath , burning pain in the nose and mouth, toxic encephalopathy , peripheral neuropathy , seizures , nausea , vomiting , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis , dermatitis , skin ulcers , basal cell carcinoma , and squamous cell carcinoma . [4]
Treatment
Basic first aid for lewisite exposure is decontamination and irrigation of any areas that have been exposed, and when necessary airway management , assisted ventilation , and monitoring of vital signs . [4] British anti-lewisite , also called dimercaprol , is the antidote for lewisite. It can be injected to prevent systemic toxicity, but will not prevent injury to the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Chemically, dimercaprol is a chelating agent that binds to the arsenic in lewisite. [7] It is contraindicated in those with peanut allergies . [4]
See also
References
- ↑ National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Database. Lewisite 3, CID=5352143, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lewisite-3 (accessed on Apr. 19, 2020)
- 1 2 McNutt, Patrick M., and Tracey L. Hamilton. "Ocular toxicity of chemical warfare agents." Handbook of Toxicology of Chemical Warfare Agents. Academic Press, 2015. 535-555.
- ↑ "CDC - Facts about Lewisite" . www.cdc.gov . Retrieved 2020-04-15 .
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "CDC - The Emergency Response Safety and Health Database: Blister Agent: LEWISITE (L) - NIOSH" . www.cdc.gov . Retrieved 2016-01-14 .
- 1 2 Chemistry of Sulfur Mustard and Lewisite https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK236079/
- ↑ Chauhan, S.; Chauhan, S.; D’Cruz, R.; Faruqi, S.; Singh, K. K.; Varma, S.; Singh, M.; Karthik, V. Chemical warfare agents. Environ. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2008, 26, 113-122
- ↑ Vilensky, Joel A., and Kent Redman. "British anti-Lewisite (dimercaprol): an amazing history." Annals of emergency medicine 41.3 (2003): 378-383.