The effect of biological media on the hydrolysis of mustard simulants

A useful decontaminant for mustard would be one which is readily available in large quantities, inexpensive and potentially biodegradable. Currently one that is being investigated consists of a mixture containing bovine hemoglobin, gelatin and poi. Two of them, gelatin and poi, are common foodstuffs in the diet on the mainland of the United States and in the Hawaiian culture, respectively. Various combinations of these substances have unusual flow properties since the physical states change from a liquid to a gel form. The hydrolytic kinetics of the mustard simulants, 2-chloroethyl ethyl, 2-chloroethyl methyl and 2-bromoethyl phenyl sulfide are reported. The kinetic mechanisms and rate constants are dependent upon the mixtures' concentration and viscosity.