New insights into detoxification of chemical warfare simulants and pesticides using micelle mediated systems

Abstract

The accumulation of organophosphorus neurotoxic compounds and biological warfare agents in the environment is a recognized ecological threat existing in the global scenario. Despite sustained research efforts, there remains a need for new, simple, effective, inexpensive, biodegradable and environmentally friendly method for detoxification of chemical warfare agents and pesticides. In the last few years, our laboratory has aimed at demonstrating on the rapid method of α-nucleophiles hydroxamate and oximates mediated catalysis of organophosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, paraoxon, parathion, fenitrothion and other chemical warfare simulants in microorganized media like micelles and microemulsions. Different types of α-nucleophiles, metallosurfactants, acetylcholinesterase reactivators, nanoparticles and functionalized surfactants have been designed as potential hydrolytic micellar catalysts. In this lecture, an overview of detoxification chemistry and application of some novel monomeric, and functionalized surfactants on the reactivity of some toxic phosphate esters and carboxylic esters will be presented. Our contribution in the field is the development of catalysts capable of converting chemical warfare agents into non toxic products. The results provide new insight and direction towards the design of more effective chemical agent for detoxification.