Question

Write the formula of mustard and phosgene.

Answer 1

Mustard and phosgene gas both are dangerous gases and can cause severe problems of skin, choking and eyes which can prove fatal towards one’s health. In cases it can cause death as well.

Step by step answer: Mustard gas is not a gas but a volatile liquid. It was sprayed as a mist that stayed close to the ground and was blown by gentle winds onto the enemy. It causes severe blistering of the skin and death. It is made by scl2, the best known dihalide. It is commercially important since it readily adds across double bonds in alkenes to produce mustard gas. The reaction is as follows:

$SC{l_2} + 2C{H_2} = C{H_2} \to S{(C{H_2}C{H_2}Cl)_2}$

The gas formed is mustard gas or di(2-chloroethyl)sulphide. Hence in the question we are asked about its formula which is $S{(C{H_2}C{H_2}Cl)_2}$.
Now let us discuss the formula of phosgene, it is a colorless gas, organic in nature. It is a liquid irritant that can affect the skin, nose, throat dangerously. It’s formula is given as $COC{l_2}$ and its IUPAC name is carbonyl dichloride. It is an acyl chloride and is formed by an exothermic reaction between carbon monoxide and dichloride by passing it through a bed of porous activated carbon. It has an odor of freshly cut grass or hay.

Hence from the above discussion we can conclude that the formula of mustard and phosgene gas is $S{(C{H_2}C{H_2}Cl)_2}$and $COC{l_2}$respectively.

Note: Phosgene is a non-flammable gas and has a pleasant odor at lower concentrations but can cause death at higher concentrations. Both of the gases were used during world war-I.