Complete reduction of 2-chloroethylethylsulfide by hydrodesulfurization using mo-doped mesoporous substrates

Bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide, commonly known as mustard gas, is a highly toxic compound that acts as a vesicant, primarily by hydrolysis to produce HCl [1]. Prior to the 1960’s, this compound was synthesized and stored at various locations throughout this country and the world [2–4]. The inherent danger in storing this chemical has led to efforts to degrade it by various means. Stockpiles of mustard gas are currently destroyed by incineration, which, even when complete, can release environmentally unfavorable compounds such as sulfoxides, sulfones, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Most other chemically-based techniques used to react bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide have relied on oxidative pathways, whether using solution- or solid-based approaches [5–7]. These reactions have the same environmental problems as incineration. In addition, a highly oxidizing agent can often lead to bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfone, which is nearly as toxic as mustard gas itself [8].