Phosgene-free synthesis of N-methyl-N',N'-diphenylurea

Akardite II (AK-II, N-methyl-N′,N′-diphenylurea) is a well-known stabilizer for nitrocellulose (NC) propellants as it scavenges NOx. Currently, AK-II is produced using phosgene, a highly toxic gas. An alternative, two-step synthesis route is presented here that does not rely on phosgene. First, symmetrical organic carbonates (R2CO3, with R ​= ...

Toxic effects following phosgene exposure of human epithelial lung cells in vitro using a CULTEX® system

The aim of the present study was to investigate toxic effects following phosgene exposure of human epithelial lung cells (A549) in vitro using a CULTEX® system. In particular, toxic effects regarding early biomarkers emerging during the latency period following exposure might be of great value for medical treatment. Cells cultured on semi...

Synthesis of isothiocyanate-derived mercapturic acids

Twelve mercapturic acids derived from saturated and unsaturated aliphatic and aromatic isothiocyanates were synthesised, by adding isothiocyanate to a solution of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and sodium bicarbonate, in a typical yield of 77%. Isothiocyanates were synthesised first by adding the corresponding alkyl bromide to phthalimide potassium salt....

In vitro adduct formation of phosgene with albumin and hemoglobin in human blood

The development of procedures for retrospective detection and quantitation of exposure to phosgene, based on adducts to hemoglobin and albumin, is described. Upon incubation of human blood with [14C]phosgene (0-750 μM), a significant part of radioactivity (0-13%) became associated with globin and albumin. Upon Pronase digestion of globin, one of...