New insights into detoxification of chemical warfare simulants and pesticides using micelle mediated systems

Issue title: Sensing and Destroying Chemical Weapons and Pesticides Based on the Symposium at the 238th American Chemical Society Meeting Washington DC, USA, August 18–19, 2009

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ghosh, Kallol K. | Tiwari, Shuchi | Marek, Jan | Kuca, Kamil

Affiliations: School of Studies in Chemistry, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G.), India | Center of Advanced Studies and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic

Note: [] Corresponding author: School of Studies in Chemistry, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G.), 492010, India. E-mail: kallolkghosh@yahoo.com

Abstract: The accumulation of organophosphorus neurotoxic compounds and biological warfare agents in the environment is a recognized ecological threat existing in the global scenario. Despite sustained research efforts, there remains a need for new, simple, effective, inexpensive, biodegradable and environmentally friendly method for detoxification of chemical warfare agents and pesticides. In the last few years, our laboratory has aimed at demonstrating on the rapid method of α-nucleophiles hydroxamate and oximates mediated catalysis of organophosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, paraoxon, parathion, fenitrothion and other chemical warfare simulants in microorganized media like micelles and microemulsions. Different types of α-nucleophiles, metallosurfactants, acetylcholinesterase reactivators, nanoparticles and functionalized surfactants have been designed as potential hydrolytic micellar catalysts. In this lecture, an overview of detoxification chemistry and application of some novel monomeric, and functionalized surfactants on the reactivity of some toxic phosphate esters and carboxylic esters will be presented. Our contribution in the field is the development of catalysts capable of converting chemical warfare agents into non toxic products. The results provide new insight and direction towards the design of more effective chemical agent for detoxification.

Keywords: Oxime reactivators, organophosphate, detoxification, functionalized surfactants, nerve agents, pesticides, decontamination

DOI: 10.3233/MGC-2010-0026

Journal: Main Group Chemistry, vol. 9, no. 3-4, pp. 337-353, 2010