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| Names | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name 10-Chloro-5,10-dihydrophenazarsinine | |||
| Other names 10-Chloro-5H-phenarsazinine Diphenylaminechlorarsine | |||
| Identifiers | |||
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3D model (JSmol) | |||
| Abbreviations | DM | ||
| ChemSpider |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.008.577 | ||
| EC Number |
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| MeSH | Phenarsazine+chloride | ||
| UNII | |||
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| Properties | |||
| C12H9AsClN | |||
| Molar mass | 277.58 g·mol−1 | ||
| Appearance | Yellow-green crystals | ||
| Melting point | 195 °C (383 °F; 468 K) | ||
| Boiling point | 410 °C (770 °F; 683 K) | ||
| 0.064 g dm−3 | |||
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |||
Adamsite orDM is anorganic compound; technically, anarsenicaldiphenylaminechlorarsine, that can be used as ariot control agent. DM belongs to the group ofchemical warfare agents known asvomiting agents orsneeze gases.[1] First synthesized in Germany byHeinrich Otto Wieland in 1915, it was independently developed by the US chemistRoger Adams (for whom it is named) at theUniversity of Illinois in 1918.
DM is an odourlesscrystalline compound with a very lowvapour pressure. The colour of the crystals ranges from bright yellow to dark green depending on the purity. It is readily soluble in some organic solvents (e.g.,acetone,dichloromethane), but nearly insoluble in water. In vaporous form it appears as a canary yellow smoke.[2]
Adamsite is usually dispersed as anaerosol, making the upper respiratory tract the primary site of action. Although the effects are similar to those caused by typical riot control agents (e.g.CS), they are slower in onset but longer in duration, often lasting for 12 or more hours.[1] After a latency period of 5–10 minutes irritation of the eyes,lungs andmucous membranes develops followed byheadache,nausea and persistentvomiting.[1]
DM was produced and stockpiled by the British and the United States at the end ofWorld War I. It was used by the British during the incursions at Murmansk and Arkhangelsk.[3] It is now regarded as obsolete and has been widely replaced by riot control agents such asCS which are less toxic and more rapid in the onset of symptoms. Early battlefield use was intended to be via "adamsite candles". These were large metal cans or tubes (weighing approximately 5 pounds [2.3 kg]) which contained asmoke composition made of adamsite plus a slow burningpyrotechnic composition. A series of candles were lit and the adamsite-laden smoke allowed to drift towards the enemy.[4]
In the United States, it was used against theBonus Army who demonstrated inWashington, D.C., in 1932, reportedly causing the death and serious injury of several children who had accompanied their parents on the protests. It was again used in theVietnam War.[5]
In 2003,North Korea was reportedly producing adamsite at itsAoji-ri Chemical Complex in Haksong-ri,Kyŏnghŭng county for stockpiling.[6] DM was allegedly used by Venezuelan authorities in the2014–17 Venezuelan protests and described as "green gas"[7][8] with reports of protesters vomiting following exposure[9][10][11] and regional human rights groups condemning the usage of "green gas", stating that its usage is "internationally banned".[12]
