Molybdate/Peroxide Oxidation of Mustard in Microemulsions

Abstract

Environmentally friendly and noncorrosive methods to decontaminate the blister agent mustard (HD) bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide are currently being developed. HD may be rendered nonvesicant by oxidation to the corresponding sulfoxide. In microemulsions, the mildly basic molybdate/peroxide oxidant system rapidly oxidizes HD initially to the sulfoxide. Secondary oxidation to the sulfone does occur, but this reaction is about 2 orders of magnitude slower. A microemulsion found to be stable at low temperature was identified, enabling the decontamination of HD at −30 °C. The mild basicity of such solutions also affords the peroxyhydrolysis (OOH-) of nerve agents GD and VX.