Question: What is the common name for the chemical 2-chlorovinyldichloroarsine?
Answer: 2-chlorovinyldichloroarsine is better known as Lewisite, a combination of acetylene and arsenic trichloride. Lewisite was originally developed as a chemical warfare agent and is a concern as a potential weapon that might be used by terrorists. The cited reference notes “Lewisite’s systemic toxicity and, presumably, its cutaneous and ocular irritability result primarily from its arsenic content.” (Vilensky JA and Redman K. British Anti-Lewisite (Dimercaprol: An amazing history. 2003 Ann Emerg Med 41:378-383)
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