Nitrogen mustard (HN-3)

Synonyms

Tris(2-chloroethyl)amine; 2,2',2''-Trichlorotriethylamine; 2-Chloro-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)ethanamine; A 8729; Agent HN3; Ethanamine, 2-chloro-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)-; HN-3; HN3; Sinalost base; TL 145; TS 160; Tri-(2-chloroethyl)amine; Trichlormethinum [INN-Latin]; Triclormetina [INN-Spanish]; Triethylamine, 2,2',2"-trichloro-; Trimitan base; Trimustine; Tris(beta-chloroethyl)amine; UN 2810; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Chemical Weapons

Description

Colorless to pale yellow, oily liquid with a faint butter almond odor; [ATSDR-MMG]

Sources/Uses

Used in medicine as an antineoplastic drug; A vesicant that has not been used as a chemical weapon; [HSDB]

Comments

"Nitrogen mustards are vesicants causing skin, eye, and respiratory tract injury. Although these agents cause cellular changes within several minutes of contact, the onset of pain and other clinical effects is delayed for hours. Nitrogen mustards are alkylating agents that may cause bone marrow suppression and neurologic toxicity. . . . Nitrogen mustards may decrease fertility." [ATSDR MMG]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Yes

0.011 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

LCt50 = 1,500 mg-min/m³; [ATSDR-MMG] VP from ChemIDplus;

Aplastic anemia

Yes

Other CNS neurotoxin

Yes

Skin burns

Probable (2a)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Pneumonitis, toxic