CR gas
| CR gas | |
|---|---|
| |
| Chemical name | dibenz[b,f][1,4]oxazepine |
| Chemical formula | C13H9NO |
| Molecular mass | 195.22 g/mol |
| CAS number | [257-07-8] |
| Density | x.xxx g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 73 °C |
| Boiling point | xx.x °C |
| SMILES | C1(C=CC=C2)=C2OC (C=CC=C3)=C3N=C1 |
| Disclaimer and references | |
CR gas or dibenzoxazepine, chemically dibenz[b,f][1,4]oxazepine, is an incapacitating agent and a lachrymatory agent. CR was developed by the British Ministry of Defence as a riot control agent in the late 50's and early 60's.
Physical Properties
CR is a pale yellow crystalline solid with pepper-like odor. It is slightly soluble in water and does not degrade in it. CR is usually presented as a microparticulate solid, in the form of suspension in a propylene glycol based liquid. Unlike what its name suggests, it is not actually a gas but is solid at room temperature.
It is chemically related to loxapine, a typical antipsychotic drug. CR is loxapine's parent compound. It was first synthesised in 1962. [1]
Effects
CR gas is about 6-10 times stronger than CS gas. It causes very intense skin pain, namely around moist areas, blepharospasm causing temporary blindness, coughing and gasping for breath, and panic. It is capable of causing immediate incapacitation.
It is a suspected carcinogen, although evidence is questionable. It is toxic, but less so that it's counter part CS gas. 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.
Treatment
While CS can be decontaminated with large amount of water, use of water may exacerbate the effects of CR. Skin contaminated with CR gas may become extremely painful in contact with water for up to 48 hours after contamination. [2]
Medical treatment is mostly palliative. The contaminated clothing has to be removed. The eyes and skin can be washed, the eye pain can be alleviated with medications.[3]
Use
On October 16, 1974, British forces allegedly used CR gas on republican and loyalist prisoners in Long Kesh. British government denied use of CR. This event remains controversial until now, as many of the prisoners affected later developed cancer.
In the late 1980s, CR was used in the townships in South Africa. It caused some fatalities, particularly among children.[4]
Because of its carcinogenic properties, the United States does not utilize CR for riot control.[5]
References
- CAS-Number and SMILES http://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=257-07-8&Units=SI
- ^ Higginbo R, Suschitzky H (1962). "Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds .2. Cyclisation of O-Nitrophenyl Oxygen Ethers". J Chem Soc: 2367–2370.
- ^ http://www.zarc.com/english/tear_gases/crdibenzoxazepine.html
- ^ Olajos EJ, Salem H (2001). "Riot Control Agents: Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biochemistry and Chemistry". J Appl Toxicol: 355–391.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|vol=ignored (|volume=suggested) (help) - ^ http://atiam.train.army.mil/soldierPortal/atia/adlsc/view/public/9655-1/FM/3-11.9/chap3.htm
- ^ http://www.ainfos.ca/04/oct/ainfos00066.html