555-77-1

Liquid with faint odor of fish and soap, no odor when pure. Used as a delayed-action casualty military agent.

Acts as a strong base in water.

When dissolved in water, TRIS-(2-CHLOROETHYL)-AMINE is a strong base; reacts violently with strong oxidants and acids ; attacks copper and copper compounds. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 123]; reacts with hypochlorites to give N-chloroamines, some of which are explosives when isolated [Bretherick 1979. p. 108].

Most toxic of the nitrogen mustards. The median lethal dose for inhalation is 1,500 mg-min/m3; for skin absorption (masked personnel) is 10,000 mg-min/m3. The medium incapacitating dose for eye injury is 200 mg-min/m3; for skin absorption is 2,500 mg-min/m3.

When heated to decomposition, TRIS-(2-CHLOROETHYL)-AMINE emits chloride and nitrogen oxides. No action on metals or other materials if material is kept dry. Avoid decomposing heat.

Trichlorotriethylamine is a (slowacting) vesicant but has never been used in military conflict. Is used as an antineoplastic agent. Has been tested as a fixing agent in textile dyes.

There is no antidote for nitrogen mustard toxicity. Because health effects due to nitrogen mustard may not occur until several hours after exposure, patients/victims should be observed in a hospital setting for at least 24 hours. Gastric lavage is contraindicated following ingestion of this agent due to the risk of perforation of the esophagus or upper airway. If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Speed in removing material from skin is of extreme importance. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Keep victim quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Effects may be delayed; keep victim under observation.

UN2810 Toxic liquids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required. Military driver of HN-3 shall be given full and complete information regarding shipment and conditions in case of emergency. AR 50-6 deals specifically with the shipment of chemical agents. Shipments of agent will be escorted in accordance with AR 740-32.

HN-3 is not stable; it undergoes slow but steady polymerization. Avoid contamination with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, bleaches and pool chemicalsetc); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Unstable in the presence of light and heat and forms dimers at temperatures above 50℃. HN-3 decomposes before its boiling point is reached or condenses under all conditions; the reactions involved could generate enough heat to cause an explosion. Polymerizes slowly, so munitions would be effective for several years. Heated to decomposition emits hydrogen chloride and nitrogen oxide. Note: Chlorinating agents destroy nitrogen mustards. Dry chlorinated lime and chloramines with a high content of active chlorine vigorously chlorinate nitrogen mustards to the carbon chain giving low toxicity products. In the presence of water this interaction proceeds less actively. They are rapidly oxidized by peracids in aqueous solution at weakly alkaline pH. In acid solution the oxidation is much slower.