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| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name Bis[(E)-2-chloroethen-1-yl]arsinous chloride | |
| Other names Dichlorovinylarsine chloride Chlorobis((E)-2-chlorovinyl)arsine Bis[(E)-2-chlorovinyl]chloroarsine (E, E)-Lewisite 2 | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) | |
| ChemSpider |
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| UNII | |
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| Properties | |
| C4H4AsCl3 | |
| Molar mass | 233.35 g mol−1 |
| Hazards | |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Lewisite 2(L-2) is anorganoarsenic chemical weapon with the formula AsCl(CH=CHCl)2. It is similar tolewisite 1 andlewisite 3 and was first synthesized in 1904 byJulius 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]
Lewisite 2 is made as abyproduct along with Lewisite 3 in the reaction that makes lewisite 1.[3]Acetylene reacts witharsenic trichloride inhydrochloric acid solution, withmercuric chloride as acatalyst, to give lewisite in 80 to 85% yield.[3]
Lewisite 2 is formed when there are two additions ofacetylene to thearsenic center instead of one like the reaction seen above where only lewisite one is shown.
Adverse health effects caused by lewisite can vary and depend 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 strongirritant andblistering agent. Due to its arsenic center, lewisite may also cause problems similar to arsenic poisonings like stomach ailments and low blood pressure.
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 developchronic respiratory disease.[4] In severe cases of exposure, can cause fatalpulmonary edema,pneumonitis, orrespiratory failure.
Ingestion results in severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and tissue damage.[4] Those exposed to lewisite can develop refractoryhypotension (low blood pressure) known as Lewisite shock, as well as some features of arsenic toxicity.[5] Lewisite causes physical damage tocapillaries, which then become leaky, meaning that there is not enough blood volume to maintain blood pressure, a condition calledhypovolemia. When the blood pressure is low, the kidneys may not receive enough oxygen and can bedamaged.[4]
The results of eye exposure can range from stinging, burning pain, and strong irritation toblistering andscarring of the cornea, along withblepharospasm,lacrimation, andedema 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 areglobe perforation andblindness.[4] Generalised symptoms also include restlessness, weakness, hypothermia and low blood pressure.
Chronic exposure to lewisite can causearsenic poisoning and development of a lewisiteallergy. It can also cause various long-term illnesses or permanent damage to organs, depending on where the exposure has occurred, includingconjunctivitis, 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, andsquamous cell carcinoma.[4]
Basic first aid for lewisite exposure isdecontamination andirrigation of any areas that have been exposed, and when necessaryairway management,assisted ventilation, andmonitoring of vital signs.[4]
Dimercaprol, also called British anti-lewisite, 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 achelating agent that binds to thearsenic in lewisite.[6] It iscontraindicated in those withpeanut allergies.[4]
