Dry Reactive H2O2–Polymer Complexes for the Degradation of Mustard Gas

We report an all-solid dry complex oxidizing agent against sulfur mustard (HD) and its simulant 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide. Polymer complexes of poly­(N-vinylpyrrolidone) with hydrogen peroxide were utilized as solid forms of H2O2. Like traditional peroxide solutions, this solid complex is capable of detoxifying HD upon contact but without the requisite of having a buffer or cosolvent and is found to undergo the asymmetric oxidation of the sulfide toward the sulfoxide. Moreover, mixing the polymer complex with a peroxide activator such as a molybdate was found to enhance the oxidation rate. Finally, we assess the stability of the complex at higher temperatures, ensuring its effectiveness at extreme global surface temperatures.