Question

Mustard gas is represented by formula:
A . $C{H_2}C{l_2}$
B. ${C_4}{H_8}C{l_2}S$
C. ${C_2}{H_2}$
D. $CC{l_3}N{O_3}$

Answer 1

Mustard gas is the sulphur compound. It is a colourless liquid and highly volatile. The mass of gas cannot be condensed easily; it is highly toxic and poisonous gas. The odour of mustard gas resembles mustard hence it is called mustard gas.

Complete answer:

Option A is incorrect: $C{H_2}C{l_2}$-
Dichloromethane is a chloro compound with sweet odour it is a polar solvent which is used as a carcinogenic reagent. It doesn’t contain sulphur compound

Option B is correct: ${C_4}{H_8}C{l_2}S$-
$Bis\left( {2 - Chloroethyl} \right)Sulphide$ is a mustard gas because it is a sulphur containing compound.

Option C is incorrect: ${C_2}{H_2}$-
Acetylene is an alkyne it is a colourless gas which has the capability of producing the very hottest flame. Hence, it is used in welding and cutting. It is very unstable in pure form without sulphur so it cannot be mustard gas

Option D is incorrect: $CC{l_3}N{O_3}$-
Chloropicrin it is a nitro methane compound which is also called as tear gas the exposure of the gas is unhealthy it causes skin irritations and inflammation. As it is a nitro compound it cannot be a mustard gas because it contains sulphur.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: It is a chemical warfare gas, in Second World War this was used and killed a large number of people. And also in White blood cells mustard gas slows down the multiplication of the cells so it was used in the treatment to cure cancer as chemotherapy agent. It is also considered a blister agent because the large exposure to this gas causes blisters on the body.