Novel S-substituted aminoalkylamino ethanethiols as potential antidotes against sulfur mustard toxicity.

ABSTRACT

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a highly toxic chemical warfare agent. A satisfactory treatment regimen is not yet available for this toxicant. In a search for an effective antidote against SM, a series of novel S-2(omega-aminoalkylamino)ethyl alkyl/aryl thioethers [H(2)N(CH(2))(n)()NHCH(2)CH(2)SR], where R = alky, alicyclic, aryl, and heterocyclic substituents, have been designed and synthesized as candidate antidotes against SM toxicity. These compounds were screened for their protective efficacy through the oral route against dermally applied sulfur mustard in female mice measured on the basis of percent survival following percutaneous administration of SM. A number of compounds demonstrated significant protection.