Identification of mustard related compounds in aqueous samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Abstract

Capillary column gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, under electron impact and chemical ionization conditions, was used for the detection and identification of mustard and other sulfur vesicant-related decomposition products in a number of aqueous sample extracts. Interpretation of the mass spectral, infrared, chromatographic and trimethylsilyl derivatization data acquired during this study enabled the identification of nineteen sulfur vesicant-related hydrolysis products. Many of the compounds characterized during these analyses, including a number of ether/thioether macrocycles and vinyl alcohols, have either not been previously reported or have not been previously associated with the decomposition of munitions-grade mustard.