Lachrymators

Lachrymators cause irritation to the eyes, and hence tears. They are commonly called tear gases. Lachrymators are regarded now as riot control agents. Generally they cease to have any effect shortly after exposure ceases, although very high levels of exposure to some of the agents may cause long-term effects. The use of riot control agents as a method of warfare is prohibited by the CWC, in 2022 it was claimed Russia used them in the war with Ukraine, inititially identified as chlorine, then as chloropicrin, this was later corrected to CS.

1-Bromo-2-butanone [Bromomethylethyl ketone, 1-bromobutan-2-one, Bromomethyl ethyl ketone, Homomartonite, Bn-Stoff] - CH₃COCHBrCH₃

A colorless to straw-colored liquid. Toxic by inhalation, skin contact or ingestion.

2-Chloroacetophenone [Chloroacetophenone, CN] - C₆H₅COCH₂Cl

A white crystalline solid, dense than water and insoluble in water, with a floral odour.  It is a potent eye, throat, and skin irritant. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure of humans causes burning of the eyes with lachrymation, some degree of blurred vision, possible corneal damage, irritation and burning of the nose, throat, and skin, and burning in the chest with dyspnea. Acute dermal exposure is irritating and can result in first, second, and third degree chemical burns in humans.

2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile  [CS, o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile] - C₁₀H₅ClN₂

A white crystalline solid or light beige powder, with an odour of pepper. Used primarily as a riot control agent which causes temporary irritation of the eyes and the mucosal surface of the respiratory tract.

2-Methylbenzyl bromide [1-(Bromomethyl)-2-methylbenzene, alpha-Bromo-o-xylene, Xylyl bromide, T-Stoff] - C₆H₄CH₃CH₂Br

A colourless liquid in pure form but may appear yellowish as it ages or in the impure product. Causes skin irritation and  serious eye irritation.

Acrolein [Papite, Propenal, Acrylaldehyde] - CH₂CHCHO

A colourless liquid with a piercing, disagreeable, acrid smell. The smell of burnt fat, as when over cooking fried bacon or steak is caused by glycerol in the burning fat breaking down into acrolein. Initially irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes. Very toxic by inhalation.

Benzyl bromide [Cyclite, T-Stoff, Bromotoluene] - C₆H₅CH₂Br

A colourless to yellow liquid, with a strong, sharp, pungent odour.  Intensely irritating and corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Large doses cause central nervous system depression. .

Benzyl iodide [Fraissite, alpha-iodotoluene, iodomethylbenzene, iodo-methyl-benzene) - C₆H₅CH₂I

Colourless to yellow needle like crystaline solid, melting at 24.5 °C. Toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Very irritating to skin and eyes.

Bromoacetone [Martonite, BA, B-Stoff, 1-Bromo-2-propanone, 1-bromopropan-2-one, Monobromoacetone] - CH₃COCH₂Br

A clear colorless liquid turning violet on standing, even in the absence of air, and decomposing to a black resinous mass on long standing. A violent lachrymator, low concentrations are very irritating to the eyes; high concentrations or prolonged exposure at lower concentrations may have adverse health effects. Very toxic by inhalation. Contact with the liquid causes painful burns.

Bromobenzyl cyanide [Camite, CN, 2-bromo-2-phenylacetonitrile, Bromo(phenyl)acetonitrile] - C₆H₅CHBrCN

Yellowish crystalline sold that melts to an oily liquid at room temperature. Extremely irritating to the eyes, and can burn them. The liquid or solid in contact with the skin can cause burns. High level exposure can cause headache, palpitations, weakness and breathing problems possibly leading to death.

Chloroacetone [Chloropropanone, Tonite, A-Stoff, 1-Chloropropan-2-one, Monochloroacetone] - CH₃COCH₂Cl

A yellow-colored liquid with an irritating pungent odor. Light sensitive, but stabilised with the addition of small amounts of water and/or calcium carbonate. Slightly soluble in water and denser than water. Vapours much heavier than air. Irritates skin and eyes. Very toxic by ingestion or inhalation.

Chloropicrin [Trichloronitromethane, Nitrochloroform, Aquinite, PS, NC, Klop] - CCl₃NO₂

A slightly oily colorless to yellow liquid with a strong irritating odor. Vapors are poisonous by inhalation.  A severe irritant, and can cause immediate, severe inflammation of the eyes, nose and throat, and significant injuries to the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Dibenzoxazepine [CR] - C₁₃H₉NO

Yellow solid with an odour of pepper; powder is dispersed using a small explosive or dissolved in a solvent and water and sprayed. A lachrymatory agent, its effects are approximately 6 to 10 times more powerful than those of CS gas. CR causes intense skin irritation, in particular around moist areas; blepharospasm, causing temporary blindness; and coughing, gasping for breath, and panic. It is capable of causing immediate incapacitation. It is a suspected carcinogen. It is toxic, but less so than CS gas, by ingestion and exposure. However, it can be lethal in large quantities. In a poorly ventilated space, an individual may inhale a lethal dose within minutes. Death is caused by asphyxiation and pulmonary edema. The effect of CR is long-term and persistent. CR can persist on surfaces, especially porous ones, for up to 60 days.

Ethyl bromoacetate  [Ethyl 2-bromacetate, Antol] - CH₂BrCOOC₂H₅

A clear, colourless liquid with a fruity, pungent odor.  Toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption; a strong irritant of the skin.

Ethyl iodoacetate  [SK, ethyl 2-iodoacetate, Ethyl monoiodoacetate] - CH₂ICOOC₂H₅

A clear, light yellow to orange liquid that rapidly turns brown and releases iodine when in contact with air. It is toxic, and causes severe irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory system.

Iodoacetone [1-iodopropan-2-one, Bretonite, 1-Iodoacetone, 1-Iodo-2-propanone, 1-iodopropan-2-one] - CH₃COCH₂I

A colorless liquid that becomes brown in air. A moderate lachrymator of relatively low toxicity.

Phenylcarbylamine chloride [Phenylisocyanide chloride, Phenyl isocyanide chloride, Phenylcarbylamine chloride, Phenyl isocyanide dichloride, Phenylcarbonimidic dichloride, N-(Dichloromethylene)aniline] - C₆H₅CNCl₂

An oily liquid with an onion-like odour. A lung irritant with lachrymatory effects.

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