Me-DABCO Fluoride as a Bifunctional Compound for Effective Universally Detoxification of V-type and HD Chemical Warfare Agents

Detoxification of structurally different chemical warfare agents (CWA) such as VX (nerve agent), and HD (sulfur mustard) in a universally manner is very important, both in military and chemical terror scenarios. Currently, the acceptable methods for rapid and efficient universal detoxification of these extremely toxic CWAs are only corrosive solutions of sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, Oxone, hypochlorite bleach etc. In spite of their reactivity, some of these decontaminants lack generality in terms of degradation kinetics and product toxicity of both types of CWAs.

Aiming at developing non-corrosive/toxic and environmentally benign universal decontaminant, we found that the mono-methylated DABCO fluoride can be used as a bifunctional detoxification agent of both VX and HD in absolutely different reaction mechanisms. The fluoride anion of the Me-DABCO serves as a nucleophile to attack the P center of VX (followed by facile hydrolysis), and the remaining free nitrogen serves as a nucleophile for attacking the carbon center of the HD (forming the appropriate non-toxic salt). This bifunctional small and simple compound is water soluble and environmentally friendly, safe to use and non-corrosive (almost neutral pH). The products and kinetics of the degradation processes of both VX and HD, using water or organic solutions of Me-DABCO fluoride are discussed.