Solvent effects on the degradation reactions of sulfur mustard on KF/Al₂O₃: The role of organic solvents and active species

Solvent effects on the ability of KF/Al₂O₃ supports to degrade the warfare agent sulfur mustard (HD) were explored. RP-KF/Al₂O₃ possessing hydroxide ions and ECUF/KF/Al₂O₃ holding fluoride ions, were examined. Reactions on RP-KF/Al₂O₃ containing 10 wt % of organic solvents were faster than those on ECUF/KF/Al₂O₃. Additionally, RP-KF/Al₂O₃ led to elimination products while ECUF/KF/Al₂O₃ mainly to substitution derivatives. Enlarging the solvent amounts to 90 wt % resulted in decreased reaction rates. The significance of solvent identity/amount and active species is discussed.