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Agent Characteristic
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HD
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HTb
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Chemical name
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Bis (2-chloroethyl) sulfide or 2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide
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Same as HD with 20 to 40 wt% agent T, bis[2(2-chlorethylthio) ethyl] ether
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Chemical formula
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C4H8Cl2S
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Not applicable
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Molecular weight
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159.07
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188.96 (based on 60/40 wt%)
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Vapor density (relative to air)
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5.5 (calculated)
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6.5 (calculated based on 60/40 wt%)
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Boiling point (°C)
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218 (extrapolated)
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No constant boiling point
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Decomposition temperature (oC)
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180
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165 to 180
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Freezing point (°C)
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14.45
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1.3 (measured as melting point)
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Vapor pressure at 25°C (mm Hg)
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0.106
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7.7 × 10–2 (calculated based on Raoult’s law equation)
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Volatility at 25°C (mg/m3)
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9.06 × 102 (calculated from vapor pressure)
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7.83 × 102 (calculated from vapor pressure)
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Diffusion coefficient for vapor in air (cm2/sec)
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0.060 at 20°C (68°F)
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0.05 at 25°C (77°F)
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Flash point (°C)
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105
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Flash point range 109 to 115
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Surface tension (dynes/cm)
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43.2 at 20°C (68°F)
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44 at 25°C (77°F)
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Viscosity at 20°C (cSt)
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3.52
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6.05
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Liquid density at 25oC (g/cm3)
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1.2685
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1.263
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Solubility (g/100 g of distilled water)
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0.092 at 22°C (72°F); soluble in acetone, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, tetrachloroethane, ethyl benzoate, ether
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Slightly soluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents
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Heat of vaporization
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Not available
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(Btu/lb)
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190
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(J/g)
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82
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Heat of combustion
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Not available
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(Btu/lb)
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8,100
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(J/g)
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3,482
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aMustard agents are labeled H, HD, and HT. The active ingredient in all these blister agents is bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, or (ClCH2CH2)2S. HD, called the distilled mustard, is nominally pure mustard agent. H, often called Levinstein mustard, was approximately 70% pure mustard agent and 30% impurities at the time of manufacture. However, the stored H mustard agent has deteriorated over time and its physical properties are highly variable. H is the only form of mustard agent stored at Blue Grass Army Depot.
bOverall proportional composition of the mixture. HT is prepared by a chemical process that synthesizes the HT directly in such a way that it contains both the HD and T constituents without further formulation.
SOURCES: Adapted from U.S. Army, 1988; Abercrombie, 2003; BPT, 2004.
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