AbstractsChemistry

Methyl-bis-β-chloroethylamine generally designated by “S” ha a been found to produce physiological effects of such a nature as to warrant the possibilities of its use as an agent for chemical warfare. However, stabilization of the compound has been found difficult. Naturally it was desirable to obtain a good knowledge of the chemistry involved in the degradation process. When investigations were commenced in this laboratory there was little concrete information available, as is indicated in the introduction to the first section. The subject is conveniently treated as a series of topics:- 1. The reactions of “S” in absolute menthol were studied in an attempt to obtain information on the kinetics of its conversion process. 2. & 3. The kinetics or displacement reactions of the isolatable product, designated as the dimer of “S”, were investigated with the view of confirming the stability of the remaining et atomic chlorine. 4. The reactions of “S” in various acid solutions were then studied in an attempt to gain information about the hydrolysis or “S” and SH+ ion. 5. The program was completed with an investigation of the reactions of “S” in acetone-water mixtures. A general discussion sets the various topics in their proper relationship.