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Source-This post on Chloropicrin is based on the article “Chloropicrin: chemical weapon or pesticide?” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2024.
Why in the News?
The U.S. State Department has accused Russia of using a chemical weapon- Chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces, which violates the Chemical Weapons Convention.
About Chloropicrin
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. Chloropicrin (Cl3CNO2) is a toxic organic compound. 2. It is listed as a banned choking agent by the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). |
| Compounds involved in manufacture | 1. It is manufactured by a chemical reaction involving sodium hypochlorite (which in dilute form is called bleach) and nitromethane (a common industrial solvent). 2. It can also be made by combining chloroform with nitric acid, which yields chloropicrin and water. |
| Characteristics | 1. It is a colourless to yellow oily liquid. 2. This chemical is an irritant, like a tear gas. 3. It has a strong, irritating odour and can enter the body through breathing, swallowing, or skin contact. |
| Uses of Chloropicrin | Chloropicrin is used widely as a chemical compound for various purposes. 1. It serves as a fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, nematicide, and antimicrobial agent. 2. It has been used as a warfare agent during world war-I, but now it is no longer authorized for military use. |
| Risk associated with it | 1. Chloropicrin causes severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, with potential effects including eye damage, burns in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and bluish skin discolouration. 2. Severe exposure can lead to pulmonary edema, which may be fatal. 3. Chloropicrin is highly toxic and carcinogenic, and it may affect developmental or reproductive health through chronic exposure. |
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