adamsite

Main Entry: ad·ams·ite
Pronunciation: 'ad-&m-"zIt
Function: noun
: a yellow crystalline arsenical C₁₂H₉AsClN used asa respiratory irritant in some forms of tear gas called also diphenylaminechlorarsine
Adams, Roger (1889–1971) American chemist. One of the foremost organicchemists of his day, Adams is remembered for determining the chemical composition of several natural substances. He analyzed chaulmoogra oil, the toxic cottonseed pigment gossypol, marijuana, and manyalkaloids. He was the first American chemist to produce butacaine and procaine. He also worked in stereochemistry and with platinum catalysts and on the synthesis of medicinal compounds. He developedthe poisonous gas adamsite for the U.S. Army during World War I, but the war ended before it could be used.

adamsite

in chemical warfare, sneeze gas developed by the United States and used during World War I. Adamsite is an arsenical diphenylaminechlorarsine and an odourless crystalline organic compound employed in vaporous form as a lung irritant. It appears as a yellow smoke that irritates eyes, lungs, and mucous membranes and causes sneezing, vomiting, and acute discomfort in the nose, throat, and chest. Eventually severe nausea develops, with headache, general physical weakness, and despondency. The effect usually lasts about 12 hours. The only protection against inhaling the gas is a good mechanical filter

Learn more about adamsite with a free trial on Britannica.com.