Chloropicrin
Chloropicrin, also known as PS (from Port Sunlight[4]) and nitrochloroform, is a chemical compound currently used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, and nematicide.[5] It was used as a poison gas in World War I and the Russian Invasion of Ukraine.[6] Its chemical structural formula is Cl3C−NO2.
Properties[edit]
Chloropicrin's chemical formula is CCl3NO2 and its molecular weight is 164.38 grams/mole.[9] Pure chloropicrin is a colorless liquid, with a boiling point of 112 °C.[9] Chloropicrin is sparingly soluble in water with solubility of 2 g/L at 25 °C.[9] It is volatile, with a vapor pressure of 23.2 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) at 25 °C; the corresponding Henry's law constant is 0.00251 atmosphere-cubic meter per mole.[9] The octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) of chloropicrin is estimated to be 269.[9] Its soil adsorption coefficient (Koc; normalized to soil organic matter content) is 25 cm3/g.[9]
Use[edit]
Chloropicrin was manufactured for use as poison gas in World War I.[10] In agriculture, chloropicrin is injected into soil prior to planting a crop to fumigate soil. Chloropicrin affects a broad spectrum of fungi, microbes and insects.[11][12] It is commonly used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination / co-formulation with methyl bromide and 1,3-dichloropropene.[12][13]
Chloropicrin is used as an indicator and repellent when fumigating residences for insects with sulfuryl fluoride which is an odorless gas.[14] Chloropicrin's mode of action is unknown[15] (IRAC MoA 8B).[16] Chloropicrin may stimulate weed germination, which can be useful when quickly followed by a more effective herbicide.[17]
In February 2024, Ukrainian General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi accused the Russian Armed Forces of using chloropicrin munitions.[18] In May 2024, the United States Department of State also alleged use of chloropicrin by Russian forces in Ukraine, and imposed sanctions against Russian individuals and entities as a response.[19]
Damage to protective gear[edit]
Chloropicrin and its derivative phosgene oxime have been known to damage or compromise earlier generations of personal protective equipment. Some of the soldiers attacked mentioned a white smoke emerging from their gas masks.